Introducing the top-notch hanging plant String of Dolphins, also known as Senecio peregrinus, a beautiful member of the Secenio genus! It is sometimes called a dolphin necklace, a dolphin plant, or flying dolphins.

Native to Southern Africa, the string of dolphins is a trailing succulent in the Asteraceae family that is a cross between the string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and the hot dog cactus (Senecio articulates). 

The string of dolphins gets its name from the way its leaves grow in a cascading pattern, resembling a pod of leaping dolphins in mid-air.

With their ionic dolphin-shaped leaves and long hanging tendrils, they can grow up to 6 inches tall.

The dolphin leaves are small, chubby, and curved, resembling jumping dolphins with fins and tails.

The Flowers of the String of Dolphins plant typically blooms in the spring and summer seasons. During this time, you may see clusters of small, white, tubular string of dolphins flowers appearing along the trailing stems and vines. It's a delightful sight to behold!

To propagate a string of dolphins Senecio peregrinus can be done easily through stem cuttings. You can simply use a sharp knife to trim off a healthy stem, leave it callous for a few days, and then place it in well-draining soil. With proper care and attention, you can watch your string of dolphins flourish and create a stunning display of leaping dolphins in your own home.

Whether you choose to grow Senecio peregrinus in hanging pots, a decorative hanging basket alone, or let them trail down from a larger pot to a shelf, the string of dolphin plants is sure to add a touch of whimsy and charm to any space. It's a delightful plant that will capture the hearts of both plant enthusiasts and dolphin lovers alike!

Watering Needs   

Unlike most succulents that can be difficult to water, Senecio peregrinus is relatively simple to care for.  This dolphin succulent has water-storing leaves. It's best to water it thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's important to avoid soggy soil or excess soil moisture.

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, your dolphins' string may require more frequent watering. However, in the fall and winter, during the dormant season, it's important to reduce watering and allow your String of dolphins to rest.

To determine when it's time to water your string of dolphins, simply stick your finger into the soil up to your knuckle. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. Be sure to water the Senecio peregrinus evenly, allowing the water to soak through the soil and drain out of the bottom of the pot. Remember, always use a terracotta potting medium that has adequate drainage holes to avoid any damage.

Light Requirements 

If you're growing your String of Dolphins indoors, placing a pot of it in a sunny window near a north or south-facing window is usually a good choice. You can also use a sheer curtain or blinds to filter the light if it's too intense.

When growing outdoors, the String of Dolphins plant, it loves bright, indirect light and morning sun.  When exposed to too much sun, your string of dolphin plants can easily become sunburned. This houseplant requires Full sun to partial shade sun exposure for almost 4-6 hours a day. 

If you notice that your dolphin plant starts stretching or leaning toward the light, it's a sign that it needs more light. On the other hand, if the leaves start turning yellow or brown, they may be getting too much direct sunlight. 

Remember, finding the right balance of light is important for the health and growth of your plant. So, keep an eye on how it responds to its current location and make adjustments as needed. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The string of dolphins favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining soil mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote new root growth that helps your succulent plants to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing, the String of Dolphins doesn't require a lot of nutrients. During the active growth of the growing season, which is typically early spring, you can fertilize it once a year with a natural, NPK fertilizer (5-10-5). However, during the dormant season, which is usually early fall and winter, you can reduce or even stop fertilizing altogether. This allows your dolphin plant to rest and prepare for healthy growth in the following season. 

Remember, it's always better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize, as too much fertilizer can cause harm to your soft Senecio peregrinus. So, stick to a regular fertilizing schedule during the growing season and adjust accordingly during the dormant season. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When grown indoors, the String of dolphins thrives in 60-80°F. As for humidity, the String of dolphins can adapt to both low and high-humidity environments. However, it generally prefers moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. If the air becomes too dry, you can mist the leaves with water or use a humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant. 

If you are living in USDA zone 10-11, you can grow your Strings of dolphins outdoors. This means Senecio peregrinus thrives in warmer climates where the temperatures rarely dip below freezing. It's important to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F, as these below-freezing temperatures can cause damage to the plant. 

Remember, providing the right temperature and humidity conditions will help your String of Dolphins plant thrive and stay healthy.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a delightful and unique succulent that is sure to capture your heart. With its trailing vines adorned with adorable dolphin-shaped leaves, it brings a sense of whimsy and charm to any space. This string of dolphins thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced plant lovers.

Be sure to add a Senecio peregrinus string of dolphins to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning-looking plant.