A string of dolphins is an excellent choice if you are a gardener looking for a unique and exciting hanging plant. This trailing succulent has long, slender leaves resembling dolphins swimming in the sea. The succulent is also an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for novice gardeners. Let us look at what you need to know about the string of dolphin care.
So, what do you need to know about the string of dolphins? The evergreen succulent belongs to the Aizoon genus of plants native to the Mediterranean regions and North Africa. The succulent has attractive, long, narrow leaves that are blue-green and slightly curved like dolphins swimming in the sea. It also produces small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators throughout the year.
This blog post discusses everything you need to know about the string of dolphins. First, we’ll go over the basics of care and then talk about how to cultivate your string of dolphins plant best.
Read on to learn more.
What Is a String of Dolphins?
A String of Dolphins is an evergreen succulent that belongs to the Aizoon genus. It has small, pointed leaves that resemble dolphins jumping out of the water.
It can grow up to two feet tall and three feet wide, making it ideal for use as a ground cover or as an accent plant in containers or hanging baskets. Its leaves are typically green but can be red or yellow depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.
One great thing about this succulent is that it doesn’t require much attention. So, even busy gardeners can keep one in their outdoor spaces without worrying about it taking too much time or effort.
It also requires minimal watering, making it perfect for those just starting gardening or who don’t have much time to dedicate to their plants.
Additionally, the String of Dolphins is known for its ability to filter air pollutants from the atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those who want to make their outdoor spaces healthier places to be.
It’s also worth noting that this type of succulent is relatively easy to propagate. All you need is some scissors and soil, and you should be able to propagate your new plants quickly and easily!
How to Care for a String of Dolphins?
The string of dolphins is an easy-to-care-for succulent that requires minimal maintenance. Its plump leaves retain water for a relatively long time, making it drought-tolerant and ideal for those who cannot keep up with a regular watering schedule.
Here is a quick overview of the essential factors to consider when caring for your string of dolphins:
Sunlight
The string of dolphins needs plenty of bright, indirect light. It thrives best in a location with direct morning sun and filtered afternoon sunlight. You may also want to set up a fan or misting system to help keep the air around the plant cool. Keep the succulent out of direct sunlight to avoid sunburn.
If you are growing your string of dolphins indoors, ensure that it is placed in an area with bright light but away from direct sunlight. Ideally, you should have it on a south-facing windowsill to benefit from the natural light.
If you live in an area that doesn’t receive plenty of natural sunlight, you may want to use artificial grow light to supplement the plant’s sunlight needs.
When and How to Water
The string of dolphins should be watered deeply and infrequently — about once a week or every two weeks. Over-watering can be an issue, so check the soil before watering again. During the winter months, you can reduce the watering frequency to once every two or three weeks.
The best time to water your string of dolphins is in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the leaves have had time to dry out overnight. Water deeply at the base of the plant, not directly on its leaves.
Ideally, aim for the hours between 6:00 am and 10:00 am. However, if you cannot water your plant during these hours, you can still water it late in the evening.
Use the bottom-up watering technique to avoid over-saturating the soil. Apply water slowly until it drains out of your container’s bottom and stop.
Temperature Requirements
The string of dolphins tends to thrive in temperatures ranging from 55-85°F (13-30°C). Keep in mind that the plant may go dormant during winter, so reduce watering and keep it away from cold drafts.
Note: Avoid temperatures below freezing, as this can cause damage to your string of dolphins.
Soil & Pot Requirements
The string of dolphins needs well-draining soil mixed with sand or grit for better aeration. A good potting mix would be a combination of one part potting soil and two parts peat moss or coconut coir.
Fortunately, you can purchase good quality potting mix from your local garden center or online. Put the soil in a shallow planter with drainage holes; your succulent should be good.
Fertilizer
The string of dolphins does not need much fertilizer but may benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. If you opt to fertilize your succulent, use an all-purpose or balanced fertilizer and apply it once every two weeks.
Make sure you use a fertilizer specifically designed for succulents and cacti, as these are more likely to provide the right amount of nutrients your string of dolphins needs.
Never over-fertilize your succulent; excessive fertilizer can cause burn marks on the leaves and even kill the plant. Never fertilize your succulent in the winter months!
Pests & Diseases
The string of dolphins is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, so if you take good care of your plant, you should have few problems. Avoid overwatering or leaving water sitting in the pot for too long, as this can lead to root rot — a fungal disease that can cause severe damage to your succulent.
If you notice any pests on the leaves or stems of your string of dolphins, spray them off with a hose and check for signs of damage. Keep an eye out for mealybugs and aphids — they can be especially troublesome to this succulent.
Pruning
The string of dolphins can be pruned infrequently, but you may want to trim off dead or dying leaves now and then. If any leaves are damaged beyond repair, they should be removed immediately.
Also, if you notice some stems growing too long and becoming spindly, you can prune them back to encourage new growth. Pruning your succulent is essential for maintaining its shape and keeping it healthy.
Propagating the String of Dolphins
The string of dolphins can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting with at least two sets of leaves and leave it to dry for several days, then place the stem in well-draining soil.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide plenty of light. With patience and care, new plants should emerge from the stem cuttings within a few weeks.
The temperature is one of the most important things you need to pay close attention to when propagating the string of dolphins. Keep the propagation container away from cold drafts and avoid exposing it to temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
Does the String of Dolphin Bloom?
Typically, this succulent only produces a few flowers. Although it is possible for it to bloom, this is usually only possible when the plant is exposed to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold).
If you see any blooms, expect small yellow or white flowers with a six-petal star shape. Unfortunately, these flowers don’t last very long, so enjoy them while you can!
How Often Should I Repot My String of Dolphin?
This succulent is a relatively slow grower, so it will not need to be repotted often. Repot the string of dolphin when the roots become overcrowded and pot bound, which usually happens every one or two years.
Make sure you use a good quality potting mix and provide plenty of drainage holes. As with other succulents, take care not to overwater it.
Typically, the new container should be slightly bigger than the old one, and make sure you don’t water your succulent until it has had a few days to adjust.
The best time to repot your string of dolphins is in spring. This will give the plant plenty of time to adjust and grow before cooler temperatures arrive in autumn.
Although it requires minimal care, the string of dolphins can be a tricky succulent to keep alive, especially when you repot it. Therefore, be sure to do everything correctly.
Conclusion
The string of dolphins is a unique and exciting succulent that is easy to care for as long as it gets plenty of light, water, and temperature.
With its trailing stems, this succulent makes an excellent choice for a hanging planter or a windowsill.
If you take good care of your string of dolphins, it can last for years and create a stunning display in any room.
Be sure to provide the right amount of water, light, and fertilizer during the growing season, and enjoy its unique foliage all year round!
Last update on 2023-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
