Dolphin Succulent Plant – Growing and Caring Tips for Dolphin Plant

It all began when someone posted on Twitter about the dolphin-shaped vegetation, and I instantly fell in love with it. Who wouldn’t want to plant such a plant in their garden? Surely, everyone would love it too.

Believe me, planting beautiful dolphin succulents can make you feel like you are on a beach where you can enjoy yourself to the fullest. Isn’t it amazing? So, why not give it a try?

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it before, because, in this guide, you’ll learn all about this amazing plant in detail, allowing you to enjoy it as well. Let’s get started!

Quick takeaways:

  • This plant can be grown easily and is also attractive and can be a great addition to your yard.
  • This plant has its own personality. Some other examples of succulents plant are Blue Succulent Plant, Tiger Jaws Succulent, Manfreda Succulent, Moonglow Succulent, Graptoveria Succulent, Little Jewel Succulent, etc.
  • Its dynamic shape and charming formation seem to be eye-catchy.
  • The succulents are known as dolphin plants as they have dolphin-shaped leaves.
  • These fun-loving plants need low maintenance as compared to others.
  • This plant is also known as a string of dolphins that belongs to the Asteraceae family.
  • These are the attractive succulents whose scientific name is Senecio peregrinus.

What is a Dolphin succulent plant?

The dolphin succulent plant is also known by its other names such as Senecio peregrinus, a string of dolphins, dolphin necklace, and so on. This succulent can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This plant can be a great combination for the garden. As you know succulents can be mixed to create more and other new forms that attract people. Though the plants are not easily available, few people collect the samples before and preserve them. The tiny leaves of this plant can attain up to a height of approximately 15 cm. You need to provide them with well-draining soil for their growth. 

Botanical NameSenecio peregrinus
Common NameString of dolphins, dolphin plant, flying dolphins, the dolphin necklace
Plant TypeSucculent
Mature Size6 inches tall
Sun ExposureFull to partial sun
Soil TypeWell-draining, cactus/succulent soil
Soil pH6.6-7.5
USDA hardiness zone9b to 11b
Bloom TimeSpring
Flower ColorWhite
Native AreaSouthwest Africa
ToxicityToxic to dogs and cats

How to grow the dolphin succulent plant? 

Folks, if you are here to know about the growing tips of dolphin plants then you are at the right place. You will come to know how you can grow the dolphin plant through cuttings with the help of the following steps: 

Step 1- Firstly, you have to take a pot by filling it with the potting mixture.

Step 2- Ensure to keep as many drainage holes in the lower part of the pot or container.

Step 3- Choose a dry location for your cutting and you have to wait unless the cutting mends itself. 

Step 4- Put the cutting on the top of the soil when it gets hardened. 

Step 5- The roots will start to grow and water the soil properly. Also, wait until the roots fully flourish. 

How do you care for the dolphin succulent plant? 

As discussed above, the process of growing the dolphin succulent plant will grow properly when you take care of the plant. Below are the caring tips for the dolphin succulent plant: 

Sunlight requirements 

If you fully expose the plant to sunlight, it will get sunburned. Provide these plants in direct sunlight if you are planting them outdoors. Whereas when you are planting them indoors, they can receive 6 hours of sunlight all day long for their growth. 

Water requirements 

Dolphin plants can tolerate water deficiency, so you need not water them regularly. You have to make sure that the soil gets dry during the watering system. 

Soil requirements 

This plant tends to be in well-draining soil. You can use the cactus or potting mix for them. 

For more such plant-related articles, you may also read, What to plant with tomatoes in a container? – Tomato companion planting chart

Fertilizer requirements

They can lose their dolphin appearance if you put more fertilizer in the plant. They don’t require many fertilizers for their growth. You can provide the fertilizer once or twice a year. 

Potting and Repotting:

These are the plants that are able to tolerate the root-bound diseases and you don’t need to repot the plant regularly. The trailing succulent does encourage Bloom when the plant is kept slightly root-bound. But you need to report the plant every few years to a string of dolphins so that they get a refresh spotting medium and make sure to increase the size of the pot. For repotting the plant you need to use a pot having a good amount of drainage holes so that it prevents the condition of root rot and water-logged soil. In case of growing a string of dolphin Succulent Plant, you need to provide the plant with plastic and terracotta pots which will help them to absorb the soil moisture

Propagating String of Dolphins:

For propagating the string of dolphin Succulent Plant you need a stem cutting and put it in a water jar or soil. Make sure to take the cutting that has at least 2 to three notes having stems on it. To find a proper node you need to select a note from where the leaves emerge from the stem and from there only the new roots will grow. 

In case you are propagating the stem cutting in the water then you need to remove leaves from the bottom of the node as it will cause rot conditions. The roots will start developing within a couple of weeks and after that, you can transfer the cutting to the soil.

In the case of propagating the stem in the soil only you simply need to put the stem cutting on the top of the soil and make sure this soil has maintained moisture for developing roots. 

Common Pests/Diseases:

Houseplants attract pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites if you do not take proper care of the strings of the dolphin Succulent Plant. These are the insects that are SAP suckers and if you don’t read the plant quickly they will damage your plants. Proper care and treatment will help the plant to get rid of the pest. If you overwater the plant it will increase the root rot conditions. You need to water the plant only when the soil is dry. plant them in a pot having a drainage hole and use a well-draining soil mix to ensure the good health of the plant. 

Wrapping up the context 

In this article, you come to know about the amazing dolphin succulents. This succulent can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This plant can be a great combination for the garden. As you know succulents can be mixed to create more and other new forms that attract the people. Though the plants are not easily available, few people collect the samples before and preserve them. 

FAQ‘s

Should dolphin plants be hanging or in a planter box?

Yes, you can plant them in a hanging basket or a planter box if the temperature is cooler than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. You can replace them simply. 

Should you trim a string of dolphins?

Yes, you can prune them for taking off the dead leaves of the plant. 

Why are my dolphin strings turning yellow?

The dolphin strings can turn yellow if you overwater them or underwater. Try to maintain the balance between the both. Water them once a week when the soil gets dry. 

Will leaves grow back on a string of dolphins?

When you prune the leaves that are damaged they can regrow the new stems. 

How to Make a String of Dolphins Fuller? 

To make your string of dolphins fuller you have to manage or rearrange the layout of the strings properly. 

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