String of Dolphins: How to Care for This Unique Succulent at Home
If you’re a plant lover looking for something charming, rare, and incredibly photogenic, the String of Dolphins might just be your perfect match. With its adorable, dolphin-shaped leaves and cascading vines, this succulent has captured the hearts of indoor gardeners around the world. But as whimsical as it looks, it still needs the right care to thrive.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the String of Dolphins — from where it comes from to how to keep it healthy, happy, and growing beautifully in your home.
What Is a String of Dolphins?
The String of Dolphins is a type of trailing succulent, scientifically known as Senecio peregrinus. It’s a hybrid plant, a cross between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant). What makes this succulent dolphin variety stand out is its distinctive leaves that look just like tiny jumping dolphins — hence the name.
Because of its hanging nature, the dolphin plant succulent is ideal for hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or shelves where the vines can spill down freely, showing off their unique shape.
Light Requirements
Like most succulents, the dolphin succulent loves bright light. However, there’s a fine line between enough light and too much. Ideally, place it in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours per day.
If you keep it near a south-facing window, make sure the light is filtered to avoid leaf scorching. In low-light environments, you may notice the plant becoming “leggy” or losing its dolphin shape.
If you’re growing indoors and don’t have much natural light, a grow light can help maintain its shape and encourage growth for your dolphin plant.
Watering: Less Is More
One of the biggest mistakes people make with succulents — including the dolphin succulent plant — is overwatering.
Follow the “soak and dry” method:
Water thoroughly until it drains out of the pot.
Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
During the growing season (spring and summer), you might water once every 10–14 days, depending on the humidity in your area. In winter, when the plant is dormant, watering should be even less frequent — once every 3–4 weeks is usually enough.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common killer of this otherwise easy-to-care-for succulent dolphin.
Soil and Potting
The right soil can make a big difference. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, preferably one with added perlite or pumice. This helps prevent water from sitting around the roots.
The pot should have drainage holes. Avoid decorative pots that hold water, as they can increase the risk of rot. You can always place a decorative pot around your functional drainage pot for aesthetic purposes.
When preparing your dolphin succulents for repotting, avoid packing the soil too tightly — airflow is key.
Temperature and Humidity
The string of dolphins plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) during the day. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but anything below 40°F (4°C) can be harmful, especially if there’s moisture in the soil.
Humidity is not a major concern — in fact, the plant prefers low to moderate humidity. It’s well-suited to indoor environments where the air is not too moist.
Fertilizing the String of Dolphins
This plant doesn’t need heavy feeding, but occasional fertilizing can help boost growth. Use a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) once a month.
Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter, as the plant naturally goes into a dormant period and doesn’t need extra nutrients.
Over-fertilizing your dolphin plant for indoor use can cause it to grow too quickly and lose its iconic dolphin leaf shape, so keep it light and infrequent.
Propagation Tips
One of the joys of owning a dolphin plant succulent is how easy it is to propagate and share.
Here’s a simple step-by-step propagation guide:
Take a healthy cutting from a vine, about 4–6 inches long.
Let the cutting dry for a day or two to allow the cut end to callous.
Plant the cut end into moist, well-draining soil.
Place it in a bright spot (no direct sunlight) and mist lightly until roots develop.
After a few weeks, the new dolphin succulent should begin to establish itself.
You can also propagate by laying the cutting on top of the soil and letting the nodes touch the surface — roots will naturally form from the nodes.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Even the most low-maintenance dolphin succulents have a few issues to watch out for.
1. Leaves Shriveling
Cause: Underwatering or very dry air.
Solution: Increase watering slightly and check your home’s humidity.
2. Leaves Turning Yellow or Mushy
Cause: Overwatering.
Solution: Let the soil dry out and adjust your watering schedule.
3. Leggy Growth
Cause: Not enough light.
Solution: Move the succulent dolphin to a brighter location or use a grow light.
4. Pests
Watch out for mealybugs and aphids. If you see any, treat with neem oil or a gentle insecticidal soap.
Is the String of Dolphins Pet-Friendly?
Unfortunately, no — the dolphin plant is considered toxic to pets like cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep the plant out of reach or avoid it entirely if your pets are prone to nibbling on greenery.
Creative Ways to Display Your String of Dolphins
The cascading vines of this string of dolphins plant make it perfect for fun and stylish displays:
In a macramé hanging planter
On a floating wall shelf
In a window box with trailing plants
Mixed in a succulent arrangement with contrasting textures
Its unique shape also makes it a wonderful conversation piece in offices, living rooms, or even bathrooms with good lighting.
Why the String of Dolphins Is Worth Growing
With its playful appearance and relatively low-maintenance care routine, the dolphin plant is a favorite for plant collectors and beginners alike. It adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to any indoor plant collection, and its vine-like growth can enhance vertical space beautifully.
Whether you’re a succulent enthusiast or just looking to add a unique plant to your home, the string of dolphins plant offers charm, style, and a gentle challenge that’s rewarding to master.