{"id":8750,"date":"2023-08-07T04:07:05","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T08:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/?p=8750"},"modified":"2023-08-07T04:19:16","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T08:19:16","slug":"how-to-grow-and-care-for-string-of-dolphins-succulent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/07\/how-to-grow-and-care-for-string-of-dolphins-succulent\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow and Care for String of Dolphins Succulent"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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This easy-care houseplant has leaves that look like tiny, leaping dolphins.<\/p>

There are many kinds of\u00a0cacti and succulents in the world, but one of the most whimsical is the popular string of dolphins. Aptly named for the shape of the leaves that resemble leaping dolphins, this plant is a relative of the string of pearls, string of bananas, and string fish hooks, each named for their resemblance to these objects, respectively.\u00a0<\/p>

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String of dolphins are native to the southwest portion of South Africa where they grow in a dry, Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. As such, they make excellent landscaping plants for milder climates like along the California coastline, but also do very well as\u00a0indoor plants in hanging baskets. Perhaps best of all, these easy-to-grow succulents are also exceptionally easy to propagate, so you can produce many plantlets and share them with friends and family.\u00a0<\/p>

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Note that this\u00a0succulent contains chemicals that are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach.<\/p>

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String of Dolphins Overview<\/h3>
GENUS NAME<\/td>Senecio<\/td><\/tr>
COMMON NAME<\/td>String of Dolphins<\/td><\/tr>
PLANT TYPE<\/td>Houseplant<\/td><\/tr>
LIGHT<\/td>Part Sun<\/td><\/tr>
HEIGHT<\/td>3 to 5 inches<\/td><\/tr>
WIDTH<\/td>2 to 3 feet<\/td><\/tr>
FOLIAGE COLOR<\/td>Blue\/Green<\/td><\/tr>
ZONES<\/td>10, 11, 9<\/td><\/tr>
PROPAGATION<\/td>Layering, Leaf Cuttings, Seed, Stem Cuttings<\/td><\/tr>
PROBLEM SOLVERS<\/td>Drought Tolerant<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
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Where to Plant String of Dolphins<\/span><\/h2>

String of dolphins can be grown indoors or outdoors\u00a0in warm climate regions. For best effect, plant in hanging baskets or along walls where their form can be appreciated up close.<\/p>

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These plants do best in bright, indirect light, but can take full sun during cooler weather or after plants have been allowed to acclimate to brighter conditions. Moving plants from indoors to\u00a0full sun will burn leaves and stems.<\/p>

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How and When to Plant String of Dolphins<\/span><\/h2>

As with many cacti and succulents, the string of dolphins can be planted or transplanted at any time of the year. Plants in active growth may show signs of stress if roots are overly disturbed. Over the course of a few years, you might begin to notice a slow decline in the health and vigor of the plant. Looping long growth back over the soil in the pot can allow newer growth to re-root and reinvigorate and refill the growth at the base of the plant within the pot.<\/p>

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COURTESY OF THE ELEPHANTS EAR<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

String of Dolphin Care Tips<\/span><\/h2>

Light<\/span><\/h3>

String of dolphins prefer bright, indirect light for best growth and will do well in a south-facing window. Plants can be acclimated to\u00a0withstand some sun\u00a0in cooler climates.<\/p>

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Soil and Water<\/span><\/h3>

Plants should be grown in a well-draining cactus and succulent mix with little organic matter to avoid rotting roots. Additional sand or perlite can be added to help aerate soil mixes.\u00a0Watering should be approximately once a week\u00a0while plants are actively growing, but soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Over winter and during inactive growth, soil can be allowed to dry out for weeks at a time without hurting the plants. However, some regular moisture is helpful to avoid stressing plants unnecessarily.<\/p>

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Temperature and Humidity<\/span><\/h3>

As with many succulents, string of dolphins prefer warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures below about 60\u00b0F will slow growth and increase chances of diseases taking hold. Freezing temperatures will kill plants and should be avoided, including near windows with excessively cold temperatures outside. Humidity is best kept low, although it can be tolerated and even beneficial during active growth.\u00a0<\/p>

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Fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>

A mild,\u00a0general purpose organic fertilizer\u00a0during active growth once a month will help keep plants healthy and thriving. While plants are not actively growing during cooler temperatures, fertilizer is not necessary.\u00a0<\/p>

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Pruning<\/span><\/h3>

Over time, plants will begin to lose leaves near the base of each \u201cstring.\u201d To refill the pot and encourage fuller growth, loop longer stems around back over soil to encourage new root growth. Alternatively, longer growth can be pruned off and planted in soil.\u00a0<\/p>

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Potting and Repotting<\/span><\/h3>

Cacti and succulents require excellent drainage.\u00a0Using a terra cotta pot\u00a0is preferred, too, for additional breathability. Glazed and plastic pots are lightweight and easy to ship plants, but they retain excessive moisture and don’t allow for air flow, increasing the risk of overwatering these succulents.<\/p>

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Due to their long, trailing growth, string of dolphins put most of their energy into expanding their stems and develop relatively weak root systems. That means they don’t need very large containers to grow in, and you won’t\u00a0need to repot them\u00a0very often.<\/p>

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Pests and Problems<\/span><\/h2>

String of dolphins are prone to a few\u00a0pests such as mealybugs, as well as root rot. Get rid of pests\u00a0with neem oil\u00a0or insecticidal soap applied according to label instructions. Avoid overwatering plants to decrease likelihood of root rot. If root rot does occur, cut off all healthy growth and throw away root ball and soil. Replant cuttings in a fresh, well-draining soil mix in a clean pot.<\/p>

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How to Propagate String of Dolphins<\/span><\/h2>

As mentioned above,\u00a0propagating string of dolphins is easy\u00a0and can be achieved by allowing stems to grow over soil or taking cuttings. Cuttings should be no longer than about six inches and upwards of one half of the stem can be covered with soil to allow for new roots to grow. In some instances, new roots will begin to grow from the trailing stems. These sections are excellent for propagation because roots have already formed and will readily root into the soil.<\/p>

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Companion Plants<\/span><\/h2>

String of dolphins do well when planted with other succulents and cacti. Because they will flow over the side of a pot, they make good companions with more upright plants.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This easy-care houseplant has leaves that look like tiny, leaping dolphins. There are many kinds of cacti and succulents in the world, but one of the most whimsical is the popular string of dolphins. Aptly named for the shape of the leaves that resemble leaping dolphins, this plant is a relative of the string of pearls, string of bananas, and string fish hooks, each named for their resemblance to these objects, respectively.  String of dolphins are native to the southwest portion of South Africa where they grow in a dry, Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. As such, they make excellent landscaping plants for milder climates like along the California coastline, but also do very well as indoor plants in hanging baskets. Perhaps best of all, these easy-to-grow succulents are also exceptionally easy to propagate, so you can produce many plantlets and share them with friends and family.  Note that…<\/p>\n

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