String of Dolphins

🌿 String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus), a member of the Asteraceae family, is a charming succulent hybrid that originated from crossing two South African species. This delightful plant features leaves shaped exactly like tiny leaping dolphins, making it one of the most whimsical additions to any indoor garden. It's considered a beginner-friendly plant, perfect for those just starting their succulent collection. Fun fact: each 'dolphin' leaf actually has two small protrusions that look like fins, and when the plant is happy and healthy, these dolphins appear to jump in cascading waves along the trailing stems.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This succulent grows in a trailing manner, with stems that can cascade down 30 to 90 centimetres when mature. The leaves are plump, curved, and distinctly dolphin-shaped, measuring about 1.5 centimetres long. They're a soft blue-green colour with a smooth, slightly waxy texture that helps the plant retain moisture. New growth emerges bright green before maturing to that characteristic sea-foam hue.
FLOWER DETAILS
String of Dolphins produces small, white daisy-like flowers with hints of pink or lavender that bloom on tall stalks above the foliage. The blooms carry a subtle cinnamon-like fragrance that's pleasant but not overpowering. While not the main attraction, these flowers add an unexpected charm when they appear, typically in late summer or early fall. Flowering happens once or twice yearly under ideal conditions. To encourage blooms, provide bright light during spring and reduce watering slightly in winter to mimic the plant's natural dormancy period.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
💧 Water: Water deeply when soil is completely dry, every 10-14 days in summer, every 3-4 weeks in winter. Bottom watering works well to avoid crown rot
🌡️ Humidity: Average home humidity of 30-50% is perfect. Does not require additional humidity
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice for extra drainage
🏺 Potting: Shallow, wide terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when rootbound
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth, adding 5-10 centimetres in 6 months. Stems can reach 30-50 centimetres in one year, maximum mature length of 90 centimetres
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Contains compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling
WHERE TO PUT IT
String of Dolphins thrives on bright windowsills, in hanging baskets near east or west-facing windows, or on high shelves where the trailing stems can cascade freely. It's perfect for living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms with adequate natural light. This plant also does well in bright bathrooms where it can enjoy the occasional humidity boost. Avoid placing it in dark corners, north-facing windows without supplemental light, or anywhere with cold drafts from air conditioning or heating vents. Keep it away from curious pets and small children due to its toxicity.