Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
A string of dolphins is called the dolphin plant is an excellent succulent plant. Its curvy leaves are quite appealing, and you will love them. The plant gets its name from the fact that its leaves resemble a group of jumping dolphins. The plant can grow up to 6 inches in height.
How do we care for the string of dolphin plants? It is easy, though you may struggle so much to get the plant. If you have one at your house, then t will be wise to take good care of it because it is a rare plant. Here are all the care tips that you should consider when planting and caring for the dolphin plant.
Planting a string of dolphins
A string of dolphins does behave just like any other succulent plant. Its requirements for it to thrive resembles that of other succulents. Check out the piece below for all insights on all you need to know when planting it. You will also love to know the tips that will guide you when planting and the right place to plant it.
When to plant string of dolphins
A string of dolphins are drought-resistant, therefore, can survive arid conditions. When planting, it will be excellent to do it in seasons that support sprouting.
Summers and springs are favorable, though you can do it anytime as long as you provide the favorable conditions that will favor its growth. Water, sunlight, and warmth are essential for it to begin sprouting.
Where to plant string of dolphins
Many people grow this plant as a houseplant. Be careful to place it in a south-facing window so that it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight. Sunlight is essential for it to thrive well. Make sure that the soil you place in a pot where it grows from is well-draining.
How to plant string of dolphins
Propagate the string of dolphins using the stem cuttings. Leaf propagation cannot work with it. A healthy and sturdy stem will be best for propagation in the new pots. Expose them and let them dry for at least two days before you place them in the soil.
Care for a string of dolphins
The care considerations for a string of dolphins are soils, watering, fertilizer, and atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity. Let’s consider a few of them.
Soil and fertilizer
You don’t need a lot for fertilizer when planting a string of fertilizers. You can do the feeding maybe once or twice a year at the beginning of spring. You will be careful to choose well-draining soil such as cacti mix. Using a soil type with poor drainage will risk your houseplant because it can rot under excessive water.
Sunlight and water
Exposing the string of dolphins to excessive sunlight may lead to sunburns. You need to plant it in bright light but not high temperatures. Indirect sunlight is quite favorable for them. You can do a thorough watering until it begins overflowing in the pot.
When it does that, you will then stop it and wait until it dries out. You can do the watering once per week, because the plant is not water-loving, like any other succulent.
Humidity and temperature
The ideal temperature required for the houseplant is the temperature range of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, it can withstand cool temperatures that even drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The plant cannot survive a hard frost because they are soft succulent. If you stay in places that get frost, then it is wise to keep it indoors.
Repotting
A regular repotting is not necessary for a string of dolphins because it grows roots slowly. The plant grows even better when it is root-bound. If you decide to repot, use a pot with a drainage hole to plant may not suffer root rot.
Pruning and propagation
Pruning is essential to keep your plant in a better shape and controlled size.
You can propagate a string of dolphins using stem cuttings. Ensure that the stem cuttings you are using have 2 to 3 nodes for better success. Get rid of the leaves so that you are left with the stem alone. You will then lay the stem cutting above the soil and wait for it until it begins growing roots and rosettes. Keep the soil moist until it sprouts.
Pests and diseases
The most common pests that affect houseplants are aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. It affects string old dolphins because they often such the sap. Notably, you can bring them under control. The only disease that affects the plant is root rot. You can control this by using well-draining soils and controlling watering.
Conclusion
A string of dolphin plant is quite an appealing plant that will warm your heart. It is the nature of the leaves that make it enticing and not so much about the flowers. Care and maintenance are also easy hence making it a better option.