The string of dolphin houseplant has leaves that attend like bantam , leap dolphins .
There are many sort ofcacti and succulent in the world , but one of the most whimsical is the popular drawing string of dolphins . Aptly named for the shape of the leaves that resemble leaping dolphins , this plant life is a relation of the string of pearl , drawstring of bananas , and string of fishhooks , each named for their resemblance to these object , respectively .
twine of dolphins are native to the southwest destiny of South Africa where they spring up in a wry climate with red-hot summer and cool winters . As such , they make excellent landscaping plant for milder climate along the California coastline , but also do very well asindoor plants in hang basket . Perhaps best of all , theseeasy - to - grow succulentsare also exceptionally easy to circulate , so you may produce many plantlets and share them with admirer and family .
Credit: Courtesy of The Elephants Ear
This succulent contains chemicals that are toxic to cats and wiener , so keep it out of their reach .
Where to Plant String of Dolphins
train of dolphins can be grown indoors or outdoors in ardent clime regions . For best effect , plant in hanging baskets or along walls where their form can be appreciate up close .
These works do well in bright , collateral light , but can take full sunshine during cooler weather or after plant have been allowed to acclimatise to brighter conditions . Moving plants from indoors tofull Sunday will burn parting and stems .
How and When to Plant String of Dolphins
As with many cacti and succulent , the string of dolphins can be planted or transplanted at any clip of the twelvemonth . Plants in active increment may show planetary house of stress if roots are overly unhinged . Over the trend of a few years , you might begin to notice a dull decline in the wellness and dynamism of the plant . loop farseeing emergence back over the soil in the pot can allow unexampled growth to re - root and reinvigorate and refill the increment at the base of the industrial plant within the mint .
String of Dolphin Care Tips
Light
chain of dolphin prefer hopeful , collateral light for best growth and will do well in a southward - facing window . flora can be acclimated towithstand some sunin cooler climates .
Soil and Water
Grow plant life in a well - draining cactus and succulent mix with petty organic subject to head off rot ascendant . bring sand or perlite to help air out soil mixes . piss roughly once a weekwhile plants are actively growing , but allow soil to dry out between watering . Over wintertime and during static increment , soil can be reserve to dry out for weeks at a prison term without hurting the plants . However , some steady wet is helpful to ward off strain plant unnecessarily .
Temperature and Humidity
As with many succulents , string of dolphinfish prefer warm temperature class - round . temperature below about 60 ° F will slow growth and increase the chances of diseases taking hold . Freezing temperatures will down plants and should be avoided , so do not place near windows with overly cold temperature outside . humidness is best kept low-down , although it can be tolerate and even beneficial during active increase .
Fertilizer
A modest , cosmopolitan purpose organic fertilizerduring active increment once a calendar month will help keep plants salubrious and roaring . While works are not actively growing during cool temperature , fertiliser is not necessary .
Pruning
Over fourth dimension , works will begin to lose leave near the base of each “ string . ” To fill again the deal and encourage wide-cut increase , loop topology longer stems around back over soil to encourage new tooth root growth . Alternatively , long growth can be prune off and planted in filth .
Potting and Repotting
Cacti and succulents require splendid drain . Using a terra - cotta potis prefer for extra breathability . Glazed and charge card lot are lightweight and easy to transport , but they hold back excessive moisture and do n’t permit for air rate of flow , increasing the risk of overwatering these succulents .
Due to their long , drop back growth , cosmic string of dolphins put most of their energy into expand their stem and develop relatively frail root systems . That means they do n’t need very large container to turn in , and you won’tneed to repot themvery often .
Pests and Problems
strand of dolphins are prone to a fewpests such as mealybugs , as well as origin hogwash . Get rid of pestswith neem oilor insecticidal soap applied according to recording label instructions . avert overwatering works to diminish likelihood of root guff . If ascendant rot does occur , cut off all healthy growing and throw away root ball and soil . Replant cuttings in a fresh , well - draining territory mix in a clean pot .
How to Propagate String of Dolphins
As mentioned above , broadcast string of dolphins is easyand can be achieved by take into account stem turn to get over soil or taking cuttings . cut should be no longer than about six inches and upwards of one one-half of the stem can be covered with soil to allow for newfangled root to grow . In some example , new roots will begin to grow from the tracking stems . These sections are excellent for multiplication because root have already constitute and will readily rout into the soil .
Companion Plants
train of dolphin do well when plant with other succulent and cacti . Because they will flow over the side of a pot , they make unspoilt companions with more unsloped plants .
Frequently Asked Questions
While it ’s potential to grow these and other “ string of ” succulents from ejaculate , the resulting flora may not look on the dot like their parents . Cuttings will retain the foliage form that give these plants their name .
Yes , you may place tailor stem into a glass of water ( filtered or distil water supply is better than pat ) and they will develop root . verify to exchange the water every few days . Once roots are a couple inches long , plant your cuttings into moist potting land .
You might be over - fertilizing the plant . This can cause the leaves to lose their typical build .
twine of dolphins does n’t involve much humidness . However , you could obscure the leave of absence once a calendar month to wash off the leave and assist hydrate the plant .
Are Succulents Safe to Have Around Pets?ASPCA .
