Have you ever wanted to take a piece of a dolphin, plant it, and grow more dolphins? If so, I have bad news and good news. The bad news is: that’s not how you make more dolphins. The good news is: there’s a plant called a string of dolphins that can be propagated in a similar manner. You can propagate string of dolphins in either soil or water, much like you would propagate other succulents. In this article, we’ll teach you how!
What are string of dolphin succulents?
A String of Dolphins Succulent, or Senecio peregrinus, is a unique and eye-catching succulent plant. It is native to South Africa and is a member of the Asteraceae family. The plant has long, trailing stems that resemble dolphins leaping out of the water, hence its name. The stems are sparsely covered in round, fleshy, and waxy leaves that are light green in color. The flowers are small and white and bloom in the summer months. The String of Dolphins Succulent is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. It prefers bright indirect sunlight, moderate watering, and well-draining soil. This plant is a great addition to any succulent collection!
How to propagate string of dolphins in soil
Propagating string of dolphins succulent in soil is a simple process. Start by gathering your supplies. You will need a pot with drainage holes, potting soil, scissors, a string of dolphins succulent, and a pair of gloves. Fill the pot with potting soil, leaving about 1 inch of space between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot. Cut off a healthy section of the string of dolphins succulent plant. Make sure the piece has at least two leaves and some of the stems attached. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone to help encourage root growth.
Place the section in a pot of well-draining soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Water the soil when it is dry to the touch. After a few weeks, you should start to see new growth on the plant. When the new growth is strong enough, transplant it into its own pot. Finally, keep the succulent in a warm and bright location and water when the soil is dry.
How to propagate string of dolphins in water
To propagate string of dolphins succulent in water, you will need to start by collecting a cutting at least four to six inches long from an existing plant. Make sure the cutting you take has at least two nodes, which are the places where the leaves meet the stem, and is free of any disease. Once you have your cutting, use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to carefully cut the stem just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and place the cutting in a cup or jar of water. Make sure the container is clear, so you can easily see the roots growing in the water.
Place the container in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. You should also add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to provide the succulent with the nutrients it needs for growth. After about two to four weeks, you should start to see roots emerging from the nodes of the cutting. Once the roots are an inch or two long, carefully remove the cutting from the water and plant it in a pot filled with cactus soil. Place the pot in a bright, warm location and water it lightly. The succulent will continue to grow and develop, eventually forming a beautiful string of dolphins.
Propagation aftercare
Aftercare for your newly propagated string of dolphins succulent will be very similar to how you’d care for the plant in general.
- Place the string of dolphins succulent in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Water the succulent when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly, until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
- Feed string of dolphins succulent every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Prune off any dead or decaying leaves. If the stems appear to be too long, you can gently pinch off the top two or three leaves.
- Repot the succulent when the plant outgrows its current pot. Choose a container with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
- Inspect the succulent regularly for signs of pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any pests, treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.