The string of dolphins is distinguished by its distinctive dolphin-shaped leaves and long dangling tendrils. These plants are grown for their attractive foliage rather than flowers because the delicate blossoms are pretty insignificant.
They look fantastic in hanging baskets and vertical gardens; they can grow vertically on a trellis or moss pole to create a more formal appearance. The string of dolphins is frequently cultivated as houseplants indoors, but they can also be planted outside. On the other hand, these succulents are not frost-tolerant, and they require mild temperatures all year to grow outdoors.
Plant Care
It's common knowledge that succulents with a string of dolphins require little upkeep. Their lush leaves absorb water, making them drought-resistant, and they don't need any extra care or maintenance. They're effortless to propagate, so you can easily share some with your friends.
The string of dolphins is not a low-light plant, and it requires a lot of sunlight to grow properly. This wonderful succulent will flourish if you plant it near a window in which it can absorb much sunlight.
Light
The string of dolphins thrives in at least six hours of sunlight every day when grown as a houseplant, although it can easily get scorched in direct sunlight when planted outdoors. It is best grown near a south-facing window; it may also be grown indoors under medium light conditions. Grow lights can be used to provide additional illumination if necessary.
Soil
A string of dolphins, like the majority of succulents, requires arid, well-draining soil to grow successfully. It is possible to cultivate this plant in cactus/succulent mixes, but it is also possible to produce it from seed on your own. All you need to grow this kind of plant is soil, pumice or perlite, and sand.
Water
Because a string of dolphin leaves can store water for a long time, they are drought-tolerant and do not need watering regularly. Allowing the soil to dry completely will help prevent root rot. Reduce the amount of water the plant receives during the fall and winter months when it goes into dormancy.
Humidity and Temperature
When grown inside, a string of dolphins thrives in the typical temperatures and humidity levels seen in the average household. Unexpectedly, these plants prefer milder temperatures than the typical succulent, although they are not frost-tolerant.
In the winter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a cold climate, you won't have to be careful with your plant when placing it near windows.
Fertilizer
The string of dolphins does not require fertilization regularly. Excessive fertilization of this plant might lead the leaves to lose their characteristic dolphin shape. In the early spring, they can grow well if having enough light to boost growth and blooming. It is usually advised to use an organic fertilizer such as worm compost, liquid kelp, or fish emulsion to improve the overall health of your lawn.
Replanting and Potting
This trailing succulent can withstand being root-bound and does not require frequent repotting. Keeping root-bound is one of the best strategies to increase blossoms.
However, you need to re-pot a string of dolphins every few years to replenish the potting medium and raise the pot size, usually one size larger. Using a pot with enough drainage holes to avoid root rot and saturating the soil is vital. For a string of dolphins, both plastic and terracotta pots work well, but some gardeners prefer terracotta because it promotes absorbing excess soil moisture.
Propagating
Dolphins can be easily cultivated from stem cuttings in water or soil. Choose cuttings with at least 2-3 nodes along the stem for the best results. The nodes are the points on the branches where the leaves emerge, and new roots will sprout.
Remove the leaves from the lowest node or two if you're propagating stem cuttings in water to keep them from rotting. Roots should sprout in a few weeks, at which point you can transplant the cutting to the soil. Set the stem cutting on top of the dirt and keep it moist until roots grow if you're only propagating in soil.
Typical Pests and Diseases
Common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites might be a nuisance for a group of dolphins. These pests are sap-suckers that, if left untreated, can devastate a healthy plant. If found early and handled appropriately, many common houseplant pests can be easily controlled. Except for root rot, which is caused by overwatering, these plants are disease-free. You shouldn't have any problems if your water is only when the soil is absolutely dry. Plant it in a pot with enough drainage holes, and use a well-draining soil mixer.
