The string of Dolphins, also known as Dolphin Plant or Flying Dolphins from the plant family Asteraceae is a rare species of trailing succulents. A hybrid between the Candle Plant and the String of Pearls, this plant looks like a group of jumping dolphins. It has become a fashion trend to grow this as a houseplant because of its adorable appearance. Though String of Dolphins can be hard to find and needs extra special care, this beautiful plant is worth the effort. Fortunately, this draping succulent is easy to propagate.
If you want to propagate String of Dolphins, you’ve come to the right place. This article includes everything you need to know to grow and look after this gorgeous hanging plant.
When to Propagate String of Dolphins
The timing of when to propagate a String of Dolphins depends on whether you are planting a new plant or you trying to propagate from a dying plant. If you have a plant that is dying then you have to propagate a new plant immediately while if you are planting a new plant then for the best results, you should propagate during the summer or spring months when the plant is actively growing.
Propagating String of Dolphins is typically a simple process. You can do it in soil and in water and by seeding and stem cutting. We will discuss these methods in detail in the following sections. So let’s keep reading.
Propagate String of Dolphins in Soil
When it comes to propagating String of Dolphins in soil, there are two ways: seeding and stem cuttings. Let’s find out more.
a) Propagating String of Dolphins By Seed
Planning to grow the Dolphin Plant from seeds? That’s great because this succulent is generally easy to cultivate. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Soak the seeds of the String of Dolphins plants in warm water and then in cold water to germinate.
Step 2: Plant those seeds in a pot with soil. Spread them carefully over the soil mix, keeping space between each other.
Step 3: Once done sowing, wait for the seeds to start growing. It may take anywhere between a few days to several weeks. The time varies depending on several factors, including temperature and sunlight.
Though you can grow the string of this succulent plant from seeds, the resulting plant may differ from the actual one.
b) Propagating String of Dolphins By Stem Cuttings
Another way to propagate String of Dolphins is by stem cuttings. Whether a newbie or an experienced gardener, you can propagate String of Dolphins easily through stem cuttings. Like water propagation, all you need is a sterile knife or scissors, a healthy strand of the plant, and a soil pot.
Here’s the complete process to propagate a String of Dolphins in soil:
Step 1: Take a 6 to 12 inches long stem from the dolphin plant. Try to cut above a root node. Though taking a root node isn’t necessary, it gives a better chance of success to the plant’s cutting. Remember to use a clean knife or scissors.
Step 2: Put the cutting on a dry, flat spot for 2 days at room temperature. It will help the bottom of the strand to shoot a callus. Planting the cutting directly without drying out may result in root rot.
Step 3: Once the cutting is dry, you can dip the bottom of the cutting in a rooting hormone before planting to give it a great chance of developing strong roots. However, this step is optional.
Step 4: After the cutting is ready, plant it in a pot filled with the soil mix. Bury the end at least 1 inch in the center of the pot and then water it.
Step 5: Keep the pot in a bright space with indirect sunlight. The cutting will begin to grow in one month or so.
The only thing you must look after with soil propagation is that the soil you’re using is bacteria or fungus-free and suitable for succulents. Also, water the cutting only when the soil dries out for healthy and better growth. Don’t forget to add a drainage hole beneath the pot to avoid overwatering.
Propagate String of Dolphins in Water
Propagating the String of Dolphins in water is an efficient way of making new plants but is not recommended for new gardeners. This method doesn’t require any specialized equipment. All you need is sterile cutting equipment (knife or scissors), a glass jar, and a healthy stem cutting of the Dolphin Plant.
The process is straightforward — simply cut a healthy stem off using a sharp, clean scissor or knife and put it in a glass jar. If you follow the propagation procedure right, it will start to grow roots in about two weeks. Also, ensure the stem cutting doesn’t rot since it will be in the water for weeks. Here’s the process to propagate a String of Dolphins in water:
Step 1: Cut a 4 to 5 inches long strand from a healthy Dolphin Plant. Take cuttings with at least two or three nodes. Remember to clean your knife or scissors before cutting.
Step 2: Place the cuttings in a glass jar filled with filtered or distilled water. Though you can use any container, a glass jar will make it easy to observe the root growth. Also, you can consider changing the water if it turns cloudy or dirty so that strands get enough nutrition and oxygen (but not strictly necessary).
Step 3: Keep the container near a window in indirect sunlight. That’s because the plant may dry up in excessive sunlight and keep changing the water every week.
Step 4: Cuttings of the String of Dolphins plant are slow growers. You may have to wait a few weeks to see the white roots. Once your stem cutting grows enough roots, consider transferring it into the soil.
Step 5: Take a pot and fill it with well-draining soil. Now, place the cutting in the center and cover the roots properly with the soil. Water the plant to give it a great start.
Though propagating succulents in water isn’t popular, this method works perfectly for String of Dolphins. That’s because the roots of this plant will grow easily compared to other methods. Also, the propagation of the String of Dolphins in water lowers the risk of being infected with fungi and bacteria.
String of Dolphins Propagation Points to Care For
When you propagate a succulent like Dolphin Plant indoors then you should make sure you water them well but if you plant them outdoors in soil then make sure that you don’t water them too much as there is a risk of root rot as water may get accumulated at the bottom.
String of Dolphins Caring After Propagation
After the propagation of the String of Dolphins plant, you should care for it a little. Some important tips that you need to take into consideration are:
a) Light Requirements
If you’re putting this dolphin-shaped succulent indoors, make sure it is getting about six hours of sunlight to keep it strong and bulky. Since this plant thrives in indirect sunlight, you must keep the container or jar in a bright corner with indirect sunshine. On the other hand, if you’re growing it outdoors, try to keep the pot in a shady place near other plants. Too much direct light from the sun can cause dehydration in the plant & soil and scorch leaves. You can increase the light ratio gradually depending on the plant’s growth.
b) Soil Requirements
Like most succulents, the Dolphin Plant can rot if planted in an overwatered pot. Apart from sunlight, you should also use a well-draining soil mix to avoid rotting roots. Go for the soil that’s made for cactuses or succulents with little organic matter. You can also consider adding perlite or sand to help aerate soil mixes.
c) Water Requirements
As we all know, water is a major resource for any plant, try to maintain a balance with watering. Since String of Dolphins plants are succulents, you don’t need to water them every day. Instead, consider watering them only when the soil dries out or once a week. That’s because excess water can suffocate the roots and result in rotting. On the other hand, the lack of water can turn the plant leaves blueish. Therefore, it is essential to keep a close eye on balancing the watering.
d) Temperature Requirements
The string of dolphin plants is mostly indoor succulent plants. They love the cool air and don’t perform well in harsh temperatures. Though the ideal temperature range is 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, these plants can handle temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, remember that they won’t survive in frost since they are soft succulents that don’t do well in freezing environments. Also, if you belong to a region where the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you should plant a String of Dolphins in pots that are easy to move inside and out.
e) Humidity Requirements
The string of dolphin plants doesn’t require extra humidity when placed indoors. An average humidity of 40% is perfect for dangling stems and dolphin leaves of these succulents. If it goes beyond 50%, the plant may begin to droop. One of the signs of high humidity is when the leaves start to drop off. People who belong to humid climates can avoid this problem by watering their dolphin succulent plants less often. Moreover, though humidity can be beneficial during the active growth of this plant, it is best to keep it low (but not too low) for effective results.
f) Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizing is an excellent way to encourage the growth of String of Dolphins. Remember not to over-fertilize because over-composting may lead the plant to lose its iconic jumping dolphin look. The best way is to fertilize this succulent only once or twice a year. Sprinkle a moderate amount over the soil at the beginning of spring when the plant starts to bloom. Though adding fertilizer isn’t a compulsion, they work as a booster to keep the plant thriving and healthy.
Conclusion
The string of Dolphins is a beautiful, bouncy succulent plant that can brighten up any space. If you want to add this iconic dolphin-shaped plant to your home, you can consider propagating String of Dolphins by water or soil. Whether you choose water or soil propagation, you must follow general care tips to grow a healthy Dolphin succulent on your own. Since String of Dolphins are low-maintenance plants, they make the perfect addition to your home. Add these cascading, dolphin-covered stems to your collection to bring an ocean spirit into your home.
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