“One for any marine mammal enthusiast”
String of Dolphins
Senecio Peregrinus
Easy to propagate
Close relation to String of Pearls
Easy to care for
Originates
South Africa but like our other trailing succulents has started to make itself at home across the UK.
Overview
This succulent takes its name from having dolphin-shaped leaves. If you look closely the leaves resemble a pod jumping around. A slow-growing house plant that like the String of Pearls adds interest to any home. Whilst it does trail, it is much bushier than the other string varieties and almost appears to grow up before down. The String of Dolphins’ sap is considered toxic so keep out of reach of pets or young children. When handling your plant gardening gloves are recommended.
Position
Your String of Dolphins will be happiest in a sunny window, in a pot where the plant’s growth next to the soil can absorb daylight at all times. With its trails you may find it best placed on a shelf or in a pot designed with a raised stand to protect and display the new growth. It can with the right tools also be trained to grow upwards on a trellis.
Watering
As with other succulents String of Dolphins actually thrive with less watering. To avoid over-watering make sure the soil around the roots is completely dry first. This plant holds its moisture within the dolphin-shaped leaves, so you will be able to see when water is required. Across the Winter you may find your plant needs watering only once a month.
How to make plant fuller
The String of Dolphins is easy to propagate to make your plant appear fuller. Take a short cutting c.2cm from the end of your plant and place it directly back into the soil. This process will encourage new shoots to form within a matter of weeks. This is a useful way to make your plant appear fuller, so with regular propagation you will be able to extend the life of your plant. Don’t worry if a dolphin-shaped leaf falls off, this can be re-planted – just squeeze it open to encourage new roots to form in the soil.
Repotting
You will know when your String of Dolphins requires a new pot or refreshed soil, as it may stop growing, look weaker or less healthy than the previous season. A peat-free cactus or succulent mix is recommended to encourage the right level of drainage for this succulent.
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