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The Complete Guide and Care Tips for String of Dolphins Plant
If you’re a plant enthusiast, you probably have heard about the unique and beautiful string of dolphins plant. This quirky-looking succulent is becoming increasingly popular among indoor gardeners due to its distinct appearance and low maintenance requirements.
What is String of Dolphins Plant?
String of dolphins (Senecio Peregrinus) is a rare succulent that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant gets its name from the small leaves that resemble jumping dolphins. It’s also commonly referred to as dolphin necklace or string of pearls on steroids due to its similarities with other hanging succulents.
The plant can grow up to two feet long and has thin, elongated leaves that are curved upward at their tips. The leaves are bright green in color with blue-green markings along their edges, which give them a unique patterned appearance.
Care Tips for String of Dolphins Plant
- Light: Like most succulents, string of dolphins needs plenty of bright but indirect sunlight to thrive. Place it in an east or west-facing window where it can receive 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Watering: Overwatering is one common mistake many gardeners make when caring for this plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, usually every two weeks during spring and summer months, less often during winter months when growth slows down.
- Humidity: The humidity levels required by this plant should be moderate and not too high as it may lead to mold formation on the soil surface.
- Fertilizer: Apply liquid fertilizer diluted in water once every month during spring and summer months. Do not fertilize during fall or winter.
- Soil: String of dolphins requires well-draining soil mixed with perlite and sand to enhance drainage. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5).
- Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, windows, or air conditioning units.
Propagation of String of Dolphins Plant
The most common way to propagate a string of dolphins plant is through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting that’s at least three inches long, remove the lower leaves leaving only two sets on the top and let it dry for one day before planting.
You can also propagate through leaf cuttings but this method takes much longer as you have to wait for new roots and shoots to grow out from each leaf.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is generally disease-resistant but may sometimes attract mealybugs or spider mites if left in damp conditions for too long.
To control pests, wipe off any visible bugs using a cotton ball dipped into rubbing alcohol solution diluted in water (1:1 ratio). Repeat this process every few days until all the bugs are gone.
In Conclusion
The string of dolphins plant is an excellent choice for beginners who want an easy-to-care-for succulent with a unique appearance that will add beauty to their indoor garden space. Make sure you follow its care regimen strictly so that your plants always look healthy and vibrant!
