HybridContainer OK

String of Dolphins

Senecio peregrinus

people surfing on sea waves during sunset

A whimsical trailing succulent that produces leaves shaped exactly like tiny leaping dolphins. This rare hybrid between String of Pearls and Candle Plant creates an enchanting cascading display that's become the holy grail for succulent collectors. Its unique dolphin-shaped foliage makes it an instant conversation starter and Instagram favorite.

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

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Zones

9–12

USDA hardiness

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Height

12-24 inches

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Complete Growing Guide

String of Dolphins thrives in bright, indirect light for at least four hours daily, though it stretches leggy without sufficient illumination—a common issue that distinguishes it from hardier Senecio cousins. Water sparingly during growing season and almost cease watering in winter, as this hybrid is slightly more moisture-sensitive than String of Pearls and prone to root rot in cool temperatures. The cultivar flowers in late spring with delicate white blooms, signaling peak growth when feeding with diluted succulent fertilizer proves most beneficial. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, which target this variety more aggressively than related succulents. Pinch growing tips every few months to encourage bushier, fuller cascades rather than the single-strand stretching this cultivar naturally favors. Start with well-draining cactus soil amended with extra perlite, and repot annually in spring to maintain vigor and dolphin leaf definition.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Leaf Cutting, Seed.

Harvesting

This is an ornamental variety — not grown for harvest. Enjoy in the garden landscape.

Storage & Preservation

String of Dolphins requires no post-harvest storage since it's a living ornamental plant, not a consumable crop. Instead, focus on long-term plant care and propagation storage. If you're storing rooted cuttings or young plants temporarily, keep them in a cool (50-65°F), bright location with minimal watering until they're ready to pot up. Dry cuttings prepared for propagation can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks before planting. For long-term preservation of the plant itself, maintain consistent care: dry dormant period in winter (October-February) and regular watering during growing season. If propagating to preserve genetics, take cuttings annually and maintain a backup plant in case the original declines. Properly rooted cuttings in 2-inch pots can be stored in cool conditions for several weeks during transport or relocation.

History & Origin

String of Dolphins emerged as a hybrid cultivar between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant), though the specific breeder, date, and location of its origin remain poorly documented in horticultural records. The variety gained significant popularity in the succulent hobby during the 2010s, particularly through online plant communities and social media platforms, where its distinctive dolphin-shaped leaves captured widespread collector interest. While some sources suggest the hybrid arose through deliberate breeding efforts within the succulent cultivation community, definitive documentation of its creator or formal introduction by a nursery or seed company has not been widely established, leaving its true origin story largely within the informal history of hobbyist plant propagation.

Origin: South Africa

Advantages

+Distinctive dolphin-shaped leaves create an instantly recognizable and conversation-starting display.
+Trailing growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets and cascading arrangements.
+Rare hybrid status appeals to serious collectors seeking unique specimens.
+Low maintenance watering needs typical of succulents reduce daily plant care.

Considerations

-Prone to mealybugs and spider mites requiring regular pest monitoring.
-Susceptible to root rot if soil drainage is inadequate or overwatered.
-Higher price point reflects rarity and collector demand compared to common succulents.
-Moderate difficulty level means beginners may struggle with proper care requirements.

Companion Plants

String of Dolphins groups well with succulents that share its dry-down cycle — Echeveria, Jade Plant, Haworthia, and Burro's Tail all want soil to go completely dry between waterings, so one watering schedule covers the whole arrangement without anybody getting shorted or drowned. String of Hearts trails at a similar pace without crowding root space in the pot. Skip ferns, impatiens, and mint — all three need consistently moist soil, and if you're watering to keep them alive, you'll push enough moisture into the mix to rot a String of Dolphins from the roots up within a few weeks.

Plant Together

Jade Plant

Similar water and light requirements, complementary growth habits

Echeveria

Matching drought tolerance and creates attractive textural contrast

String of Pearls

Compatible trailing habit and identical care requirements

Haworthia

Similar water needs and compact growth provides good companion structure

Burro's Tail

Matching cascading habit and drought tolerance, creates layered display

Zebra Plant

Compatible light and water needs with contrasting upright form

String of Hearts

Similar trailing growth and care requirements, complementary leaf shapes

Aloe Vera

Matching succulent care needs and natural pest-deterrent properties

Keep Apart

Impatiens

Requires frequent watering which can cause root rot in succulents

Ferns

Needs high humidity and consistent moisture, incompatible with succulent care

Mint

Aggressive spreader requiring frequent water, can overwhelm and create excess moisture

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally resistant to most diseases when not overwatered

Common Pests

Mealybugs, spider mites, aphids

Diseases

Root rot from overwatering, fungal issues in humid conditions

Troubleshooting String of Dolphins

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Stems shriveling and leaves losing their plump, dolphin shape despite regular watering

Likely Causes

Root rot (Pythium or Phytophthora spp.) from soil that stays wet too long — roots can't uptake water once they've rotted
Pot without drainage holes trapping moisture at the bottom

What to Do

1.Unpot the plant and inspect the roots — cut away any black or mushy sections with clean scissors, then let the roots air-dry for 24 hours before repotting
2.Use a gritty cactus mix (aim for at least 50% perlite or coarse sand) in a terracotta pot with a drainage hole
3.Hold off watering entirely for 10-14 days after repotting to let the plant stabilize

White cottony clusters at stem joints or where leaves attach, sometimes with sticky residue on nearby soil or shelf surfaces

Likely Causes

Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae family) — common on succulents kept indoors with low airflow
Bringing in a new plant from a nursery without quarantining it first

What to Do

1.Dab individual mealybugs with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol — get into the crevices where they cluster
2.Follow up with a spray of diluted neem oil (2 tsp per quart of water) every 7 days for 3 weeks
3.Quarantine any new succulent for at least 2 weeks before setting it near your other plants

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you propagate String of Dolphins?▼

Take 2-3 inch stem cuttings from healthy growth. Let the cut end air-dry and callous for 24 hours—this prevents rot. Plant each cutting 0.5 inches deep in moist succulent potting mix, then reduce watering for 2-3 weeks while roots develop. New growth typically appears within 4-6 weeks. Keep soil barely damp, not wet, during this period. A single plant can produce dozens of rooted cuttings in one growing season.

Is String of Dolphins good for beginners?▼

Not really. While it tolerates neglect better than some succulents, the defining challenge is overwatering—it's easy to kill with too much water. Beginners accustomed to regular watering schedules often struggle. However, if you follow one rule (water only when soil is completely dry), it's forgiving. Start with established plants rather than propagating from cuttings, which require more precision. It's best suited for intermediate gardeners who understand succulent care.

Can String of Dolphins grow in low light?▼

It can survive in low light but won't thrive or maintain its iconic dolphin leaf shape. In dim conditions (less than 4 hours of bright light daily), leaves revert to a more elongated, pearl-like form and become sparse. The plant stretches and grows weakly. For the distinctive dolphin appearance that makes this plant special, you need bright, indirect light from a south or west-facing window. Grow lights can supplement natural light in dim homes.

How often should you water String of Dolphins?▼

Water deeply but infrequently—only when soil is completely dry. In the growing season (spring/summer), this typically means every 10-14 days. In dormancy (fall/winter), water every 3-4 weeks. Always check soil moisture with your finger before watering. If leaves look translucent or mushy, you've overwatered. The most common mistake is watering on a schedule rather than checking soil first. Err on the side of underwatering; this plant tolerates drought better than excess moisture.

What's the difference between String of Pearls and String of Dolphins?▼

String of Pearls (parent plant) has round, bead-like leaves along thin trailing stems. String of Dolphins (hybrid) has tapered, dolphin-shaped leaves that are plumper and more distinctive. Dolphins are slightly more cold-tolerant and require identical care. Dolphins command higher prices due to rarity and visual appeal. Both are equally drought-tolerant and susceptible to overwatering. If you want dramatic visual impact, choose Dolphins; if you want easier availability and lower cost, choose Pearls.

Does String of Dolphins need a pot with drainage holes?▼

Absolutely. Drainage holes are non-negotiable for String of Dolphins. Without drainage, water sits at the soil bottom and causes root rot within days. Use a pot with at least one drainage hole, and never use decorative pots without drainage as primary containers. If you want a decorative pot, place a draining pot inside it and empty excess water after watering. Terracotta or plastic pots work equally well, but terracotta dries faster, making overwatering slightly less likely.