Senecio peregrinus - String of Dolphins

Highlights

String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus or x Bacurio delfinatifolius) (Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo): A rare trailing succulent that's making waves around the world! This fun hybrid is a cross of String of Pearls and Candle Plant. The leaves lining its string-like stems really look like dolphins leaping off the plant, making it a true novelty in the natural world. If properly cared for, it can send up bloom stalks with pompom-like clusters of tiny white flowers.

String of Dolphins will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. This variety is drought tolerant but it tends to prefer slightly more water and shade than other succulents.

To prevent rot, use well-draining pots and soil and only water when the soil is dry. Keep the soil even drier during winter dormancy. To grow a lush, full cascade of dolphins, regularly prune the stems and replant the cuttings back in the same pot (more info). Make sure that all parts of the trailing mass get sunlight and, if possible, move the plant outdoors to a covered porch or patio each summer.

Full String of Dolphins Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Blue / Blue-green

All Seasonal Colors

Green

Bloom Color

White Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun

Maximum Height

Over 12"

Growth Habit / Shape

Hanging / Trailing

Seasonality

Blooms in Fall / Winter

Special Characteristic

Showy Blooms

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

Zip Code

GO

0

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Popular Questions

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10 months ago

do they have a smell, i thought my did See answer

My plant seemed to have a nice fragrance, is that normal? See more »

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10 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Oftentimes, Senecio blooms can be quite fragrant. However, without these blooms none of our strings of dolphins have had a scent to them. See full answer »

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3 years ago

Are any of these Senecio plants safe for pets? See answer

I’m trying to find a trailing succulent for my home, and wondered if this plant is pet safe? I have dogs and cats. See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Some research shows that Senecio rowleyanus can cause digestive issues if consumed, so to be on the safe side, we do not consider any Senecio pet-safe. But we carry tons of Pet Safe Succulents here. You can also use the Growth Habit filter on the left to filter for just Hanging/Trailing plants.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/pet-... See full answer »

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3 years ago

how big is the string of dolphin? See answer

How big is the string of dolphin you sell? See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

We sell two String of Dolphin options: the regular size in a 2" pot, and the one marked [large] in a 3.5" pot. The length of stems and fullness of pots can be seen in the photos. See full answer »

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3 years ago

I have a dolphin plant and I want another succulent that will pair well with it. Suggestions? See answer

I want to purchase another succulent for a small pot that has the same soil and water needs as my dolphin plant. Thanks! I started an order. See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Good question!

I'm going to attach a link to this post that contains our listings on all of our soft plants that have the same light requirements as string of dolphins. However, I do have suggestions of things to avoid on this list.

1) Anything Haworthia. Don't get me wrong, I love Haworthia but they won't tolerate the amount of water that string of dolphins needs very well.

2) Lithops and split rock. For the same reason I can't recommend Haworthia for this arrangement, I can't recommend these two either.

I believe that everything else on the list is workable though. I hope this helps and happy planting… See full answer »

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3 years ago

Is string of dolphins pet safe? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Some Senecio can cause digestive issues if consumed, so to be on the safe side, we do NOT consider any Senecio pet-safe.
Source: https://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonous_saf... See full answer »

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2 years ago

why have my dolphin plant split and opened up See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

The leaves of String of Dolphins can go flat like this when they aren't getting enough sunlight. Gradually move your plant closer to a sunny window, if possible. Or you could add a supplemental grow light. You'll find lots of info on succulent grow lights at the link below.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/blog... See full answer »

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2 years ago

My dolphin plant is about 3 years old but the dolphins have shrunk, considerably, in size, the length is fine. See answer

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Are the leaves wrinkly? This may be an issue of being root bound. Despite their look, string Senecio plants actually root very deeply. You're plant may simply need to be repotted into a larger pot. See full answer »

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2 months ago

String of dolphins is over 6 feet long. No leaves from base to 4-5 feet down are gone. Should I cut back? See answer

My string of dolphins is over 6 feet in length. It has very minimal leaves from its base to about 4-5 feet down trails. It does have healthy dolphin leaves at ends of trails that extend over the last 1 foot of trail. I live in Indiana. I have the plant in my east facing sun room and I have grow lights that I use on gloomy or cloudy days. I water every Sunday and I water until water drains from drainage hole. This plant means the world to me as it was my beloved sister's that she brought to me to save for her prior to her passing at the age of 39 yo. Is this a normal dormancy feature of this plant? Am I not water enough? Should I cut back due to extreme length? See more »

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2 months ago  •  Staff Answer

You certainly could cut it back but it's going to need more light. That's why it's dropping leaves. Hanging it in front of the window with that string of watermelons would work well. See full answer »

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3 years ago

What size String of Pearls plant is this? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

This String of Pearls comes fully rooted in a 2" pot and resembles the stem lengths in the product photo. We also grow a larger String of Pearls in a 3.5" pot, linked below.
On any product, if you scroll down to the Product Details, you'll see a field on the right called Product Size that will list the pot size for that plant.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/sene... See full answer »

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3 years ago

CAN YOU PLANT STRING OF BANANA AND STRING OF PEARLS TOGETHER See answer

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7 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes you can! Strings of Things Succulents have the same sun, water, and drainage needs, so they're very compatible together in a pot. They work well planted in a hanging pot with succulent potting soil, hanging in a sunny window. Water deeply enough for water to run out the pot's drainage hole, but only water after the soil is completely dry and the leaves are starting to look a little deflated. See full answer »

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