String of Dolphins Plant Care – How to Grow the Unique Dolphin Succulent

The String of Dolphins plant (Senecio peregrinus) is a rare and eye-catching trailing succulent known for its curved, dolphin-shaped leaves. This playful plant is a hybrid between String of Pearls and Candle Plant, making it an ideal choice for succulent lovers who want something unusual yet low-maintenance. In Australia, String of Dolphins is growing in popularity as a hanging plant for sunny windows, patios, and succulent shelves.

Like its relatives, this plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It performs best with around 6 hours of filtered light daily, which helps maintain the distinctive curled leaf shape. Without enough sun, the “dolphins” flatten or stretch out. While it can tolerate short periods of direct sun outdoors, hot afternoon light can scorch the leaves. Indoors, place it near a bright north- or east-facing window. If you’re wondering, do String of Dolphins need sunlight? Absolutely. Light is key to keeping the leaves shaped like leaping dolphins.

Feeding is essential for healthy growth. Although succulents don’t require heavy fertilising, String of Dolphins benefits from a low-nitrogen, high-potassium blend that encourages compact growth and helps prevent root rot. For best results, use CompleteGrow Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7). This balanced liquid fertiliser supports healthy trailing stems and enhances colour without overstimulating soft, leggy growth. Apply it once every 4 weeks in spring and summer, diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding in autumn and stop entirely during winter dormancy.

Are String of Dolphins toxic to cats? Yes—like many succulents in the Senecio family, they are mildly toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. Keep hanging baskets well out of reach of curious pets. Symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting or diarrhoea. If you have pets, consider placing the plant in a suspended pot or elevated shelf that pets can’t access easily.

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How to Propagate String of Dolphins and Choose the Right Soil

Propagation is straightforward and rewarding. While leaf propagation doesn’t work well for String of Dolphins, stem cuttings are highly successful. If you’re asking, can you propagate String of Dolphins from a leaf?—the answer is no. The leaves don’t contain the node structures needed to develop roots. However, can you propagate String of Dolphins in water? Yes, and this method is often successful with healthy stem cuttings.

To propagate, take a 10–15cm healthy stem with several leaves. Strip the bottom few “dolphins” to expose nodes and place the cutting in water, ensuring no leaves are submerged. Roots will appear in 2–3 weeks, after which you can transplant the cutting into soil. Alternatively, you can plant the cuttings directly into a moist cactus mix and mist lightly for the first few weeks.

Choosing the best soil for String of Dolphins is critical to avoiding rot. Use a fast-draining succulent mix that mimics the dry, rocky soils of its native habitat. Look for a cactus blend with added pumice, coarse sand, or perlite. Avoid peat-heavy or moisture-retaining soils that can hold water too long. The roots of String of Dolphins are shallow and rot easily in soggy conditions.

For potted plants, choose shallow containers with excellent drainage holes. If you’re planting outdoors in warm Australian zones (e.g. northern NSW or QLD), ensure the site has filtered sunlight and well-aerated soil. These plants do not tolerate frost, so in cooler climates, grow them in containers that can be moved inside during winter.

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Do String of Dolphins Flower? Plus Common Problems and Solutions

Yes—String of Dolphins do flower, though it’s relatively uncommon in indoor settings. When mature and given ideal conditions, they produce small, white to pale-pink flowers with a light cinnamon or clove-like scent. Flowers typically appear in late winter or spring, particularly if the plant experiences a rest period with reduced watering and cooler nighttime temperatures during autumn.

Growth-wise, String of Dolphins behaves similarly to String of Pearls but tends to be more vigorous and compact if light is sufficient. The stems can grow up to 50cm or longer, making them ideal for hanging pots. To encourage fullness, regularly trim back lanky stems and replant the cuttings around the crown to fill in bare patches.

Common problems include leaf drop, soft or mushy leaves, and fading colour. These are usually caused by overwatering or poor lighting. If the “dolphins” begin to shrivel, inspect the soil moisture and ensure you’re following a deep, infrequent watering schedule. Let the soil dry completely between waterings to avoid root rot.

In low light, the plant will stretch and lose its signature leaf shape. Move it to a brighter spot and rotate it regularly for even growth. Pest issues are rare but may include mealybugs or aphids around new growth. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap and prune any heavily affected areas.

With consistent light, well-drained soil, and a simple feeding routine using a high-quality liquid fertiliser like CompleteGrow’s 2-7-7 Cactus Succulent Concentrate, you’ll enjoy lush, trailing strands of dolphin-shaped foliage all year long. Whether you’re adding to a succulent collection or gifting a novelty plant, String of Dolphins is a playful and rewarding choice for Australian gardens and windowsills alike.