String of dolphins is a beautiful, yet delicate plant. As a houseplant enthusiast, you want to do your best to help the plant thrive. This will help it achieve those beachy vibes and lush green leaves. This easy-to-grow succulent requires some basic guidelines for watering. As such, it is important to be familiar with the golden rules for watering string of dolphins.
So, what are the golden rules for watering string of dolphins? A good rule for watering string of dolphins is giving it just enough so that the top third or half inch layer stays moist, but not wet. In other words, you want the top layer of soil to be damp, but not muddy. Check the soil every few days and water again if it feels dry to the touch. Ensure the plant has a drainage planter or saucer under it to help prevent root rot.
String of dolphins coins its name from its resemblance to a string of dolphins swimming through the water. It’s also important to keep in mind that this succulent doesn’t tolerate high humidity levels well, so avoid placing it near any steamy areas such as around the shower. String of dolphins plant care means maintaining proper watering and light levels to keep it healthy and thriving indoors. Here are some 10 golden rules to keep in mind when watering the string of dolphins.
1. Use room-temperature water
When watering string of dolphins, use room-temperature water. This will help avoid shocking the plant. The best time to water is in the morning, so give your plant a drink before you head out for the day. Room temperature water also helps prevent string of dolphins from developing leaf spots.
2. String of dolphins prefer a moist, but not wet, soil
In addition to watering string of dolphins with room-temperature water and making sure the top layer is damp to the touch, make sure you are using soil that allows for good drainage. String of dolphin plants thrive in a moist, but not wet, soil as wet soil can lead to root rot.
3. Water when the top third or half-inch layer of soil feels dry to the touch
A good rule for watering string of dolphins is giving it just enough so that the top third or half inch layer stays moist, but not wet. In other words, you want the top layer of soil to be damp, but not muddy. Check the soil every few days and water again if it feels dry to the touch.
Another rule of thumb is to give just enough water so that the plant doesn’t wilt. Overwatering can be just as harmful as under watering, so make sure you are giving string of dolphins just enough water to keep it happy.
4. Ensure your pot has drainage holes
String of dolphin plants will suffer if left in standing water, so make sure the plant is sitting in a well-draining planter. Ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom and use saucers that allow for good drainage as well.
5. Water in the morning for best results
Morning is typically the best time to water plants, so try and water string of dolphins before you head out for the day. This will help prevent wilting and give your plant a chance to absorb the moisture throughout the day.
Mornings also offer the benefit of cooler temperatures, which can be helpful for sensitive plants like string of dolphins.
6. Use a watering can with a long spout for plants on higher shelves
If you have string of dolphin plants on high shelves, use a watering can with a long spout to avoid having to move the plant every time you water it. This will help ensure you don’t accidentally knock the plant off of your shelf. Remember to water the plant from the top and avoid getting the leaves wet.
7. Use a misting bottle for plants with delicate leaves
If your string of dolphin plants has delicate leaves, use a misting bottle to water them instead of using a watering can. This will help prevent the leaves from getting wet and wilting. It also helps to mist the leaves in the morning before the sun comes out.
8. Water in small doses to avoid runoff
When watering, try and water in small doses to avoid runoff. This will help prevent the soil from washing away and will help the plant absorb more of the moisture. Your soil mix should also help with this, so make sure you are using a good quality soil mix.
9. Provide ample light
String of dolphin plants need ample light to thrive. To help your plant get enough light, place it in a spot where it will get plenty of natural light or use artificial grow lights. A lack of light can cause the plant to become leggy and unhealthy, so be sure you are providing the string of dolphins with enough light.
Enough lighting means your watering is complemented and regulated with photosynthesis.
Common string of dolphins problems caused by overwatering or underwatering
Common string of dolphins is an easy to care succulent but overwatering or underwatering it can result in a number of problems that include:
Root rot – Root rot is a result of overwatering and can cause the plant to die. Symptoms include brown or black spots on the stem and leaves and the plant will feel soft and mushy.
Wilting – Wilting is a sign of underwatering and is often accompanied by droopy leaves. It starts at the tips and moves down the plant towards the stem. It’s greyish in color and can spread quickly if it isn’t remedied early.
Stunted growth – String of dolphins that aren’t getting enough water will stop growing but when they get too much it will result in stunted growth with long, skinny stems and small leaves.
Leggy growth – This can be caused by a lack of light, overwatering, or underwatering. Leggy growth is characterized by tall, spindly stems and leaves.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your string of dolphins, try and remedy the situation by watering correctly. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to re-pot the plant. Potting can help by providing better drainage and more space for soil to grow in, which will encourage the string of dolphins to root down into the soil.
What determines your watering schedule for string of dolphins?
While you can easily follow watering recommendations, it is also important to note that watering schedules cannot be universal. It depends on a number of factors as discussed below:
Climatic conditions
Different regions of the world will have different climatic conditions, which will in turn affect how often you need to water your string of dolphins. For example, if you live in a hot and dry climate, you will need to water more often than if you live in a humid and cool climate.
Soil conditions
The type of soil you are using will also affect how often you need to water your string of dolphins. Soils that are heavy and retain a lot of water will need to be watered less often than soils that are light and drain well.
Container size
The size of the container you are using also affects how often you need to water your string of dolphins. Larger containers will need to be watered less often than smaller containers.
Plant size
Usually, the larger the plant, the more water it will need. So if you have a large string of dolphins, you will need to water it more often than if you have a small string of dolphins.
Lighting conditions
The amount of light your plant is getting has a big impact on how often you need to water it. String of dolphins that are getting a lot of light will need to be watered less often than those that are receiving less light.
Can string of dolphins propagate in water?
No, string of dolphins cannot propagate in water. To propagate a string of dolphins, you will need to remove the offset or plantlets that are growing off the main plant and then replant them in soil. This is a process that can be started as early as within 30 days of the offset forming.
Do string of dolphins need to be re-potted?
String of dolphins do not need to be re-potted often but you will need to do so if your plant is root bound or the soil has become too compacted and drainage is poor. You will also need to re-pot if the plant is growing in a pot that is too large or too small for it. When you do re-pot, be sure to use a soil mix that is specifically for cacti and succulents.
Conclusion
Watering your string of dolphins is an important part of keeping the plant healthy and looking its best. By following these golden rules, you can be sure to provide your plant with just the right amount of water and keep it looking happy and healthy.
As you may have noticed, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to watering string of dolphins. The best way to determine how often you need to water your plant is to observe it and make notes about how often you need to water it in order to keep it healthy.
If you’re not sure, it’s always better to water too little than too much. Overwatering can be very harmful to plants and is one of the most common causes of plant death.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
