Senecio peregrinus

String of Dolphins Care & Identification Guide

Senecio peregrinus, beloved as the String of Dolphins or Dolphin Necklace, is a whimsical, rare hybrid succulent vining plant. It is a cross between String of Bananas and Candle Plant. It produces beautiful, cascading green vines covered in incredibly cute, fleshy leaves that perfectly resemble tiny jumping dolphins, complete with a dorsal fin. In autumn, it produces clusters of white, cinnamon-scented composite flowers. It is widely celebrated by botanists for its distinct environmental adaptability and structural appeal.

Sunlight Bright Indirect

Watering Low. Dry

Soil Mix Exceedingly well-draining

Temperature 15°C - 25°C

Toxicity Highly Toxic

Botanical macro photography of String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify String of Dolphins

A whimsical, cascading succulent trailing plant with unique fleshy leaves that look like tiny leaping dolphins.

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Key Visual Features: Thin, trailing purple-green stems; thick, fleshy, curved three-dimensional leaves with a distinct lateral wing and dorsal projection resembling a dolphin.
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Color Variations: Bright green to bluish-green foliage, sometimes with reddish-purple stem highlights under strong sunlight.
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Common Confusions: Can be distinguished from String of Bananas by the distinct dorsal projection (fin) on each leaf, whereas String of Bananas has smooth, banana-shaped leaves without the fin.

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your String of Dolphins thriving and gorgeous all year round.

String of Dolphins requires a highly measured water supply. Typically, water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom holes only when the top soil layer becomes dry. Based on its specific characteristics: Low. Dry out the potting soil completely between waterings. Water only when the dolphin-shaped leaves feel slightly soft and show wrinkles.. Never allow the roots to sit in stagnant water as it leads to root decay. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter dormant phases.

Prune String of Dolphins during its active spring growing season to control shape and size. Use sterilized sharp bypass shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node, stimulating bushier branch growth. Gently trim off old, naturally yellowed lower foliage to maintain clean aesthetics.

Apply a balanced liquid organic houseplant foliage fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 ratio) once a month during spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the delicate roots. Stop all fertilizer feeds during winter months when active vegetative growth slows down.

String of Dolphins requires Bright, direct sunlight to very bright indirect light. Requires at least 4-6 hours of sun daily to maintain its tight shape and prevent leggy growth.. Provide bright, consistent indirect filtered sunlight daily. Avoid exposing the foliage to harsh direct midday sun which can easily bleach, scorch, or dry out the delicate leaves.

The optimal substrate for String of Dolphins is a loose, rich, exceptionally fast-draining potting soil. Based on requirements: Exceedingly well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Combine potting soil with 50% pumice, coarse sand, or perlite to prevent moisture retention. pH 6.0 - 7.0.. A standard high-aeration mix consists of 50% organic peat moss or coco coir, 30% chunky orchid bark or pumice, and 20% coarse perlite to facilitate excellent oxygen circulation.

Propagate String of Dolphins easily using offsets or leaf cuttings. Carefully separate mature offsets or pups from the mother plant in spring. Let the cut calluses dry for 2 days, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in dry cactus soil.

Thrives in standard warm environmental conditions: 15°C - 25°C (59°F - 77°F); highly sensitive to frost, cold drafts, and high humidity, which trigger leaf rot.. Keep the plant safe from cold drafts, drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or direct heaters. Ensure winter protection is maintained to prevent cellular damage and floppy leaf decay.

Choose a heavy unglazed clay or terracotta container with multiple bottom drainage holes. Terracotta allows excess soil moisture to breathe and evaporate safely. Repot the plant every 1 to 2 years in spring, upgrading to a container that is 2 inches wider.

Regularly inspect String of Dolphins leaves for spider mites spinning fine webs under dusty leaves, cottony mealybugs hiding in leaf joints, or scale insects on stems. Treat immediately by wiping foliage with organic neem oil solution or spraying with mild insecticidal soap every 7 days.

String of Dolphins can be affected by: • **Shrivelling & Leaf Drop (Rot)**: Symptoms include Leaves near the base turn yellow, translucent, mushy, and fall off easily due to waterlogged soil.. *Action*: Prune healthy vining tips to propagate. Discard the rotted root system and soil. Repot in a highly porous, sandy cactus mix. | • **Legginess (Loss of Dolphin Shape)**: Symptoms include Stems stretch out, leaves grow far apart, lose their dorsal fin shape, and flatten out.. *Action*: Move the plant to a much brighter location with direct sunlight. Prune the stretched vines to encourage compact, dolphin-shaped new growth.. Always prioritize soil drainage and proper air circulation. Spray leaves with organic fungicides like copper fungicide or chamomile tea sprays to prevent bacterial leaf spot spreads.

The secret to a gorgeous String of Dolphins is consistent placement and cleaning. Avoid rotating or moving the plant frequently as sudden environmental shifts can induce shock. Wipe leaves with a damp microfiber cloth monthly to clear dust and enhance natural photosynthesis.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Shrivelling & Leaf Drop (Rot)

Symptoms: Leaves near the base turn yellow, translucent, mushy, and fall off easily due to waterlogged soil.

Action: Prune healthy vining tips to propagate. Discard the rotted root system and soil. Repot in a highly porous, sandy cactus mix.

Legginess (Loss of Dolphin Shape)

Symptoms: Stems stretch out, leaves grow far apart, lose their dorsal fin shape, and flatten out.

Action: Move the plant to a much brighter location with direct sunlight. Prune the stretched vines to encourage compact, dolphin-shaped new growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my dolphins flattening out?

Dolphins flatten out and lose their jumping shape when they do not receive enough sunlight. The leaves open up to maximize their surface area to capture light. Move the plant to a sunny window immediately.

How often should I water my String of Dolphins?

Water only when the soil is 100% dry. A great trick is to gently squeeze a dolphin leaf; if it is firm and plump, do not water. If it is soft, wrinkly, and slightly deflated, it is ready for a thorough watering.

Can I grow String of Dolphins outdoors?

Yes, in warm, dry climates (USDA zones 9-11). It enjoys bright morning sun and afternoon shade. Bring it indoors during winter, as it cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Is the String of Dolphins toxic to pets?

Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It belongs to the Senecio genus and contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage if eaten. Keep it hung high away from pets.