The String of Dolphins plant, botanically known as Curio x peregrinus, is a popular succulent celebrated for its uniquely shaped foliage. Each fleshy, blue-green leaf grows in a curved form that perfectly resembles a small, leaping dolphin, cascading down on long, slender stems. This houseplant is a hybrid, resulting from a cross between the String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) and the Candle Plant (Curio articulatus). It is often grown in hanging baskets, where its trailing vines can be fully appreciated.
Essential Environmental Conditions
The String of Dolphins thrives best when placed in a location that provides bright, indirect light for at least six hours daily. A spot near a south-facing window, where the light is filtered, is ideal for maintaining its compact shape and vibrant color. While it needs significant light, harsh midday direct sun can easily scorch the delicate leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop brown patches.
Insufficient light will cause the plant to stretch out, a condition known as etiolation, resulting in sparse, elongated stems and a loss of the characteristic dolphin shape. The plant’s unique “leaf windows” help maximize light absorption. If natural sunlight is limited, using a grow light ensures the plant receives the necessary intensity to remain healthy.
Temperature requirements are moderate for this succulent, which is not frost-tolerant. It flourishes in typical household temperatures, generally preferring a range between 60°F and 80°F. The plant must be protected from temperatures below 50°F, which can cause damage.
Average indoor humidity is sufficient, as the plant is adapted to dry conditions and does not require frequent misting. Ensuring good air circulation is more beneficial than high humidity, helping to prevent moisture accumulation that can encourage fungal issues. Providing a slightly cooler environment (50°F to 55°F) during the winter months can help encourage spring blooming.
Soil Watering and Repotting Needs
Proper soil composition is fundamental, as the plant requires a medium that drains extremely quickly to prevent root rot. A standard commercial cactus or succulent mix works well, but it is beneficial to amend it further with inorganic materials. This mixture ensures aeration for the roots and prevents the soil from staying saturated after watering.
The correct watering regimen utilizes the “soak and dry” method. This involves thoroughly soaking the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allowing the entire volume of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Because the fleshy leaves store water, the plant is drought-tolerant, meaning it is safer to underwater slightly than to risk overwatering.
The frequency of watering changes significantly with the seasons due to the plant’s dormancy. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering may be required every one to two weeks, depending on environmental factors. In the fall and winter, watering should be drastically reduced to approximately once a month.
Repotting is not a frequent necessity, as the String of Dolphins tolerates being slightly root-bound, which can encourage blooming. When repotting is necessary (typically every few years), select a container with adequate drainage holes. Terra-cotta pots are favored because their porous material helps absorb excess moisture from the soil, reducing the risk of water retention.
Fertilization should be approached minimally, as overfeeding can cause the leaves to lose their distinctive dolphin shape. A light application of a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer once or twice a year, specifically at the beginning of the spring growing season, is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter period to prevent root burn.
Propagation Techniques
Propagating the String of Dolphins is straightforward using stem cuttings. Use clean, sharp shears to take a healthy section of vine that is approximately three to five inches long. Ensure the cutting includes at least two or three nodes, which are the points where new roots will form.
Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stem to expose the nodes. The cut end must then be allowed to dry and callous over for two to three days; this seals the wound and prevents rot. Once calloused, the cutting can be rooted in either soil or water.
For soil propagation, insert the calloused end into a well-draining succulent mix, keeping the soil lightly moist until roots develop. Alternatively, the cutting can be placed in a jar of filtered water, ensuring only the bare stem is submerged. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transferred to soil.
Addressing Common Growth Issues
The most frequent problem encountered is root rot, which is a direct result of overwatering. Symptoms include leaves that appear mushy, yellow, or translucent, indicating the stored water has been compromised. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from the wet soil, inspect the roots, and cut away any dark, soft sections before repotting into fresh, dry mix.
Conversely, an underwatered String of Dolphins will display wrinkled, flat, or deflated leaves, signaling the plant is drawing on its stored moisture. This condition is easily corrected with a thorough watering, and the leaves should return to their plump shape within a few days. A healthy plant losing leaves near the base may simply be experiencing a natural shedding process as the vines lengthen.
Common houseplant pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally infest the vines. Mealybugs are characterized by small, white, cottony masses found near the joints of the stems and leaves. Minor infestations can be treated by wiping the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, while more extensive issues require applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.