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A string of dolphins is a popular indoor decoration that can bring life to any space. The string of dolphins care guide is essential for those who want their plants to thrive and stay healthy. This article will teach you everything you need to know about these plants so that they don’t die or become unhealthy.
You may be wondering what string of dolphin really is, but it’s actually quite simple – it’s just the name for an aquatic plant called Dracaena Fragrans which has thick green leaves growing in long strands from its base. These plants can grow up to three feet tall and live up to fifteen years with proper care, making them perfect as both houseplants and office décor!
Dracaena Fragrans (String of dolphins) Care Guide
Just like all other living things, the string of dolphins needs a few basic things to survive – plenty of sunlight, the right amount of water, and proper fertilizer. Without these three things, a string of dolphins can become unhealthy or die quickly. For this reason, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps in order to keep it alive and thriving inside your home.
This rare succulent plant may be hard to find in some parts of the world, but can usually be found at florists or local garden center. It’s important to know what it looks like before buying because there are other types of indoor plants which go by the name string of dolphins. You should also check for signs that your plant is healthy or not.
Most succulents have fleshy, water-retaining stems or leaves. They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Succulents store water in their leaves so they can go for extended periods of time without water.
How Much Light Does My String of Dolphins Need?
A string of dolphin care starts with giving it plenty of light. When the string of dolphin vines are young, they need strong light from a south-facing window for at least six hours a day.
In time, as the roots mature and grow longer, you can move the plant closer to the window if it’s still not getting enough sun. Indirect light is best for grown dolphin plants.
If there’s no room near a window or if your string of dolphins isn’t getting enough light even when placed close, you’ll need to provide additional lighting by either adding grow lights to the space or investing in an artificial plant stand that has two fluorescent tube lights above it.
Too much sun can also be harmful to the string of dolphins, so make sure to keep an eye on the plant, avoid direct sunlight, and move it if it starts to get too much light.
How Much Water My Dracaena Fragrans Need?
The string of Dolphins needs to be watered at least once a week and should really be watered twice a week if their pot is large. The best way to know if your plant needs water is by checking the weight of its pot – if you get the sense that it’s heavy, then continue watering this plant.
Watering Tip: If you notice mold growing on your string of dolphins leaves, remove them ASAP because they can cause rotting and even death to whole plants. Use a damp cloth and wipe down the leaves gently in order to get rid of any infection that may have occurred.
Avoid overwatering your dolphin plant as it will only cause more problems.
What Type of Soil is Best for Dolphin Plants?
String of dolphin care also includes using the right type of soil. When potting your plant, be sure to use a good quality potting soil mix that has some organic matter in it.
You can either mix your own or purchase a pre-mixed soil that’s specifically for indoor plants.
Well draining soil is a must because these plants do not like to be kept wet and soggy, which will only cause root rot and die.
The pot should have a drainage hole in the bottom so that the water can escape and not sit in the pot, wetting the soil. If you don’t have drainage holes, then be sure to use a plastic saucer under the pot to catch any excess water.
Where to Put My Plant?
These trailing succulent plants you can grow in a hanging pot, hanging baskets, or terracotta pots.
However, be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and drafts coming from air conditioners or heating vents. These plants do not like cold air at all! It should also never be allowed to get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.
How Much Fertilizer Do I Need To Use on My String of Dolphins?
For the first month after your dolphin plant is bought and moved into its new home, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer once every two weeks. Once it’s been established that your plant needs more fertilizer, switch to a 20-20-20 supplement at half doses.
The fertilizer should be applied to the soil and never directly on the string of dolphins leaves.
How Can I Repot My String of Dolphins?
The best time to repot your string of dolphins is during springtime, right after the winter season. Carefully remove it from its pot by holding onto the stem and gently wiggling it back and forth until you feel the roots let go slightly.
Repot it every two years with fresh soil to keep it looking its best. The new pot should be a size larger pot than the one it’s currently in.
Propagate String of Dolphins (Jumping Dolphins)
This soft succulent can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. Use a sharp knife and choose a healthy stem.
Be sure to use a rooting hormone on the cut end of the stem and place it in a moist environment until roots form. When the roots are thick enough, you can then transplant the new succulent into soil.
Enjoy your new string of dolphins plant!
But be carefull! This cutest succulent is mildly toxic and can cause skin irritation.
Pest, Diseases and Common issues
String of dolphins care also includes looking out for pests and diseases that can affect the health of your plant.
Some common pests that can infest strings of dolphins plants are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. If you notice any tiny bugs on your leaves, use a horticultural oil or soap to get rid of them.
The string of dolphins plants are also prone to root rot, which can cause leaves to turn yellow and curl up or die back altogether. This is caused by the plant sitting in water for too long (due to not letting soil dry out). To prevent this, make sure you drain all excess water after watering your string of dolphins plants, which will also help prevent fungal diseases.
If your plant does get a disease, the best thing to do is remove the affected parts of the plant and discard them in the trash. Do not compost diseased plants as the disease can live on and infect other plants.
Be sure to keep an eye out for these common problems when caring for your leaping dolphins plants and you should be able to enjoy them for many years.
Other Succulents You Might Like
The string of dolphins is a member of the succulent family (Asteraceae family), which includes a variety of plants that have leaves, stems or roots that store water. If you’re looking for another type of succulent to add to your collection, here are a few others you might like:
- – String of pearls
- – Echeveria
- – Aloe vera
- – Jade plant
- – Kalanchoe
- – Cactus
- – Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is String of Dolphins( Hot Dog Cactus) Toxic for Pets?
Yes, String of Dolphins is toxic to pets. It has caused dogs to become sick when they have chewed on it.
When to Fertilize my Dolphin plant(Dolphin necklace)?
You should fertilize your dolphin plant once every two weeks for the first month after you buy it, then switch to a 20-20-20 supplement at half doses. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil and never directly on the leaves.
What Temperature is Best?
During summer months and growing season, the string of dolphins should be kept at a minimum of 60 F to a maximum of 80 F. In winter, the minimum temperature should be 45 to 50 F. It should be brought indoors if the temperature falls below this.
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