How to Grow String of Dolphins

String of Dolphins

Senecio peregrinus

succulent

String of Dolphins is a trailing succulent with distinctive dolphin-shaped leaves that resemble jumping dolphins. It's a hybrid between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Curio articulatus, featuring unique gray-green foliage on thin, delicate stems. This popular houseplant is prized for its whimsical appearance and low-maintenance care requirements.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright indirect light, 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily; tolerates some direct morning sun

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Water: Water sparingly when soil is completely dry. During growing season (spring/summer), water every 2-3 weeks. In winter, reduce to monthly or less. Err on the side of underwatering—overwatering is the primary cause of death.

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Spacing: Not applicable for single plant; space 6-12 inches apart if planting multiple in garden bed inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable; mature plant reaches trailing length of 12-24 inches over 1-2 years

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Planting depth: Plant at soil surface; do not bury stems

Soil

Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or pumice (25-30% of mix) Coarse sand Avoid peat moss or heavy organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Outdoor cultivation in zones 9b-11; primarily a houseplant in cooler climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Propagation/Establishment

2-4 weeks

Newly propagated leaf or stem cuttings developing minimal roots and first tiny leaves

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering—mist occasionally rather than watering from below until roots establish.

Young Plant Development

4-8 weeks

Small rooted cutting with 2-4 leaf pairs, beginning to establish stronger root system

Continue minimal watering. Provide bright indirect light. Do not fertilize yet. Ensure excellent drainage.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Plant actively producing new leaf pairs along trailing stems, reaching 6-12 inches in length

Water when soil is completely dry (typically every 2-3 weeks). Provide bright indirect light. Apply dilute succulent fertilizer monthly during spring and summer only.

Mature Trailing

Ongoing maintenance

Established plant with long cascading stems covered densely with dolphin-shaped leaves; may produce small white or pale yellow flowers

Maintain sparse watering schedule. Deadhead spent flowers if desired. Prune occasionally to maintain shape or encourage bushier growth. Fertilize monthly spring-summer only.

Flowering

2-4 weeks

Plant produces small, daisy-like white or pale yellow flowers along the stems, usually in spring

Flowers appear naturally with maturity and adequate light. No special care needed. Remove spent flowers to direct energy to foliage growth if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum) Trailing Jade (Peperomia) Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Heartleaf Philodendron Hoya species

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants requiring frequent moisture High-humidity lovers (ferns, African violets) Plants requiring rich, heavy soil

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil; isolate plant; use insecticidal soap every 7-10 days for severe infestations
Increase air circulation; spray with water to increase humidity; apply neem oil or miticide if severe
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Repot in fresh, dry succulent soil; trim away blackened roots; reduce watering frequency dramatically
Allow soil to dry out between waterings; use insecticidal soap or yellow sticky traps; avoid overwatering

Uses

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Hanging basket and trailing décor

Household

String of Dolphins is perfect for hanging planters, macramé plant hangers, or as a cascading houseplant on high shelves. Its unusual dolphin-shaped foliage creates visual interest and serves as a conversation-starting decorative element. [source]

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Propagation and plant propagation hobby

Craft

This plant is extremely popular among plant collectors and enthusiasts for propagation projects. Individual leaves or stem cuttings root easily in dry soil, making it perfect for the plant propagation hobby and sharing with friends. [source]

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Low-maintenance indoor plant care

Household

String of Dolphins requires minimal watering, thrives in indoor light conditions, and tolerates neglect well, making it ideal for busy people or beginners to houseplant cultivation. [source]

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Pollinator-friendly flowering succulent

Wildlife

When it blooms, the small white flowers attract bees and other pollinators. In outdoor settings, it contributes to pollinator populations while remaining extremely low-maintenance. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for harvesting. Propagate by taking 2-3 inch stem cuttings or individual leaves. Allow cuttings to dry for 24-48 hours before placing on dry cactus soil. Roots develop in 2-4 weeks without bottom heat.

Fun Facts

🌱 String of Dolphins is a relatively recent hybrid (discovered around 2008) that combines traits of String of Pearls and the Candle Plant, resulting in its distinctive dolphin-shaped leaves that actually resemble jumping dolphins in silhouette.
🌱 The plant is sometimes mistakenly confused with String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), but String of Dolphins has flattened, curved leaves resembling dolphins while String of Pearls has round, bead-like leaves.
🌱 Unlike many succulents, String of Dolphins prefers indirect light and can develop more vivid leaf coloring with cooler temperatures and slightly drier conditions, making it an excellent windowsill succulent for indoor gardeners.

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