Description
String of Dolphins, Dolphin Plant
The string of Dolphins or Dolphin Plant is an adorable trailing succulent that interestingly resembles a pod of leaping dolphins. The fleshy leaves even have small, pointed parts that resemble a dolphin’s pectoral fins. The Dolphin Plant is not an easy plant to find. With its iconic dolphin-shaped foliage, the Dolphin Plant is a rare find that you and your friends will instantly fall in love with.
- The stems of the Dolphin Plant can grow up to 6 inches long.
- In fall, clusters of small star-like white to light pink flowers with a cinnamon-like smell may bloom.
- This ornamental vine is great for planting in hanging baskets or pots on shelves or window sills.
Sunlight
- Your String of Dolphins requires plenty of bright indirect sunlight. Although it can also adapt to medium light when grown indoors. Growing your Dolphin Plant near a south-facing window would be ideal.
- Unlike the usual succulents, your String of Dolphins prefer cooler air and can tolerate temperatures as low as 4 °C. However, they are not frost-tolerant.
Watering
- For healthy growth, let the soil of your Dolphin Plant completely dry out. After that, give it a good soak in water until it runs out the drainage holes.
- In summer, you may have to water your drought-tolerant plant weekly. Reduce this frequency to about once or twice a month in winter.
- It is vital to ensure choosing a pot with proper drainage holes, as overwatering or standing water can lead to root rot.
Soil:
- Your String of Dolphins requires a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
- Repot every 3 years in the next sized pot with proper drain holes and water thoroughly. Use a combination of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part sand.
Fertiliser:
- It is best to fertilize your String of Dolphins once or twice a year in the early spring when they start to bloom.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may cause your String of Dolphins to lose its iconic dolphin shape.
Toxicity:
String of Dolphins is mildly toxic and not suitable for spaces with pets and children.
Additional Care Information:
- Dolphin Plant can be prone to common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale.
Plant Care
- Dolphin leaves flattening out– Indicates your plant is being overwatered – Allow soil to completely dry out before rehydrating.
- Leaves browning – Suggests that you may be overwatering or underwatering your plant – Adjust the watering schedule based on the dryness of the soil.
- Leaves yellowing – Indicates an overexposure to the sun.
