Senecio peregrinus (String of Dolphins)

Senecio peregrinus, commonly known as Dolphin Necklace or String of Dolphins, is a captivating succulent known for its unique leaf shape. Here’s a detailed exploration of its characteristics, care needs, and uses. Senecio peregrinus is now renamed Curio x peregrinus.

Senecio peregrinus – String of Dolphins: An In-depth Look

Senecio peregrinus features small, fleshy leaves that remarkably resemble leaping dolphins, garnering it significant popularity among houseplant enthusiasts. Its stems are trailing and can grow quite long, making it ideal for hanging baskets.

Native: This plant is a hybrid, specifically cultivated for its ornamental features, and does not have a native habitat in the wild. It is believed to be a hybrid of Senecio articulatus and Senecio rowleyanus. String of Dolphins belongs to the Asteraceae family, including daisies and sunflowers.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a succulent vine, perfect for growing in hanging containers where its trailing vines can drape down, showcasing the dolphin-shaped leaves.

Size: The vines of Senecio peregrinus can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long under optimal conditions, though they are typically kept shorter through regular pruning in a domestic setting.

Flowers: It produces small, white, or slightly pinkish flowers with a cinnamon-like scent. The flowers are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm when they appear. Flowering generally occurs in the spring or early summer, depending on the growing conditions.

Foliage: The dolphin-shaped leaves are the most distinctive feature, making this plant highly sought after. They are typically a vibrant green, sometimes with a slight bluish tint.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from frost.

Uses: Primarily used as an ornamental plant, it’s perfect for indoor hanging baskets or as part of a succulent garden where its unique foliage can be displayed.

Toxicity: Like many Senecios, Senecio peregrinus is considered toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and humans if ingested. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to pets and humans, so it should be kept out of reach.

Drought: It has excellent drought tolerance, typical of succulents. It should be watered infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Invasiveness: This plant is not considered invasive due to its growth requirements and general cultivation as a houseplant.

Benefits: Its primary benefits are its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. It’s also an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality, as it participates in air-purifying processes.

String of Dolphins: How to Grow and Care

Growing and caring for a String of Dolphins is straightforward if you follow some basic guidelines to ensure its health and vitality. Here’s how to grow and care for String of Dolphins:

Light: String of Dolphins thrives in bright, indirect light. It needs at least six hours of sunlight a day. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy as it stretches toward the light source.
A spot near a window with filtered light or a location that receives partial sun is ideal. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light.

Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. To improve drainage, consider adding perlite or pumice to the potting mix. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

Water: Water thoroughly, but only when the soil is completely dry. This typically means watering once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature conditions of your environment. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Water directly into the soil, avoiding the leaves, to reduce the risk of rot or fungal diseases.

Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it is not frost-tolerant.

Humidity: Average indoor humidity is sufficient, but ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture accumulation.

Fertilizer: The String of Dolphins plant benefits from minimal fertilization. Overfeeding can cause the loss of its unique leaf shape. Fertilize sparingly, using a diluted balanced succulent fertilizer once in early spring and again during the blooming period to support healthy growth without compromising its distinctive dolphin-like foliage.

Pruning: Trim back leggy stems to encourage fuller growth. Use sharp, clean scissors to make cuts, which can also be used for propagation.

Repotting: Repot every few years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Refresh the soil during repotting to replenish nutrients and enhance soil structure.

String of Dolphins: Propagation

Propagating the String of Dolphins is a straightforward process, commonly done through stem cuttings. Here’s how you can successfully propagate this unique succulent:

Propagation Time: Spring and early summer are the best times for propagation, as the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours support quicker growth and rooting.

Choose a Healthy Stem: Select a healthy stem with clear, distinctive “dolphin” leaves. It should be free of pests, disease, and any physical damage.

Cut the Stem: Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife, cut a piece of the stem that includes several leaf nodes. The cutting should be about 3-5 inches long.

Let it Callous: Allow the cutting to dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callous. This process helps prevent rotting when planted.

Plant the Cutting: Fill a small pot with a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. Stick the calloused end of the cutting into the soil. Ensure that at least one leaf node (preferably more) is buried in the soil, as this is where roots will develop.

Water Sparingly: Initially, keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Water the soil directly (avoid getting water on the leaves) just enough to dampen it, and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again.

Provide Adequate Light: Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which might scorch the young cuttings.

Rooting and Growth: Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting to feel for resistance, indicating root growth. Continue caring for it by following regular succulent care guidelines.

Transplanting: Once the cutting has established a robust root system and begins to show new growth, you can treat it as a mature plant. Depending on its growth, you may consider transplanting it into a larger pot or a hanging basket to accommodate its trailing growth.

String of Dolphins: Common Problems

String of Dolphins is a delightful and unique succulent, but like any plant, it can encounter some issues. Here’s a guide to identifying and addressing common problems that may arise when caring for this plant:

Overwatering

• Symptoms: The most common problem is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs include yellowing leaves, mushy texture, and a general decline in plant health.
• Solution: Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and a container with proper drainage holes. Water only when the soil has dried out completely from the previous watering.

Underwatering

• Symptoms: While drought-tolerant, under-watering can cause the leaves to shrivel and lose their plumpness.
• Solution: Increase watering frequency slightly, especially during the active growing season, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened but allowed to dry between waterings.

Sunburn

• Symptoms: Direct sunlight can be too harsh, leading to sunburned leaves, which appear bleached or have scorched patches.
• Solution: Provide bright, indirect light. If using a south-facing window, consider using a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sunlight.

Pests

• Common Pests: Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can infest the plants, especially under stressed conditions.
• Solution: Treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove severely infested parts of the plant to prevent spread.

Nutrient Deficiency

• Symptoms: Slow growth and pale or unusually small leaves can indicate a lack of nutrients.
• Solution: Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer formulated for succulents once during the beginning of the growing season.

Physical Damage

• Symptoms: Broken stems or damaged leaves can occur from handling or pests.
• Solution: Handle the plant gently when repotting or moving it. Trim any damaged foliage to promote healthy new growth.

Environmental Stress

• Symptoms: Dropping leaves or the plant’s failure to thrive can often be attributed to environmental stress, such as improper lighting or temperature fluctuations.
• Solution: Ensure the plant is kept in a stable environment with suitable light and temperature. Avoid placing near drafts or heat sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my String of Dolphins’ leaves losing their shape?

If the dolphin-shaped leaves begin to lose their characteristic shape, it’s often a sign of insufficient light. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. When it doesn’t receive enough light, the leaves can elongate and lose their distinctive shape. Moving your plant to a brighter location usually resolves this issue.

How often should I water my String of Dolphins?

Water your String of Dolphins only when the soil is completely dry. This typically means watering once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. During winter, reduce watering further to prevent root rot.

Can String of Dolphins be grown outdoors?

Yes, String of Dolphins can be grown outdoors but with caution. It should only be placed outside in warm climates where temperatures do not drop below 50°F (10°C). It should be kept in a spot that receives indirect light and is protected from afternoon sun to prevent sunburn.

How do I prevent my String of Dolphins from getting leggy?

Legginess in the String of Dolphins is typically a result of inadequate light. Ensure the plant is positioned in a location where it receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light. Regular pruning can also help maintain a bushier, more compact appearance and encourage fuller growth.