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String of Dolphins, String of Turtles, String of Bananas, and String of Pearls are just a few of the many string plants in the plant world. These plants are technically succulents so their care should be followed according to a succulent.
The String of Dolphins (Senecio Peregrinus) is a rare variety of trailing succulent that looks like a bunch of leaping dolphins! String of Dolphins is a trailing succulent from the Asteraceae family.
Light – When being grown as an indoor plant, the String of Dolphins does best when it receives a minimum of 6 hours of in-direct sunlight. Place your plant somewhere that gets filtered light as placing them in direct sunlight can sunburn them and deteriorate them quickly.
Soil – As with most succulents, the String of Dolphins prefer well-draining soil. Be sure to use a potting mix that is specifically for succulents/cacti. Or if you are making your own mix – using 2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite/pumice and 1 part sand is an ideal mix for this variety of plants.
Water – Just like a succulent in nature, string of dolphins is a drought tolerant plant as their leaves can retain water for a long periods of time. Due to this they do not need as frequent of a watering routine. Allow the soil to dry out between watering's to prevent root rot and other overwatering related issues. During the fall and winter months, these plants go into dormancy – so reduce your watering frequency during these times as well.
Fertilizer – The String of Dolphins do not necessarily need regular fertilizing. Over Fertilizing can cause the leaves to lose their unique dolphin shape. However, during their growth season they can benefit from a light feeding in the spring to help boost its growth and help encourage it to continue growing. Use an organic fertilizer for best results.
Temperature & Humidity – When grown indoors, the string of dolphins can grow well in average indoor household temperatures and humidity. Even though they are considered a succulent, the String of Dolphins is unique as they tend to prefer cooler temperatures compared to a regular succulent. They can handle winter temperatures as low as 4 Degrees Celsius (40F).
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The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a tiny succulent that is native to Brazilian rainforests. This trailing succulent does well in average household temperatures.
Light – String of Turtles love to be in bright in-direct sunlight. Keeping them in direct sunlight for too long will increase the chances of damaging its leaves. However not giving it enough light can stunt its growth and prevent it from growing further. Another key point to note is ensuring that light reaches the top of your plant.
Often String plants are placed in high areas or in hanging baskets as they have a great trailing appearance. But when they are placed up at a higher level, they might not get the light they desire. Make sure that light reaches all parts of your plant to ensure it gets the sunlight it needs.
Soil – You may be used to using a premix soil for your cactus and succulents – which is fine if that’s all that you can obtain. However, String of Turtles may benefit from a soil mix that’s higher in organic matter.
A potting mix that is rich in peat is best suited for this plant. You can find this in commercial seed starting mix. Ensure that the soil is well draining too.
Water – String of Turtles are also a highly drought tolerant plant. They are native to rainforests so keeping them in slightly moist conditions is where they do best. Let you soil dry out between watering's and don’t over saturate the soil when watering.
Fertilizer – Fertilizing your String of Turtles will help your plant maintain its bright and shiny appearance, as well as will preserve the colour and pattern on its leaves. Feed your String of Turtles with a diluted organic houseplant fertilizer. You can feed them biweekly during their growing season but ensure that during the fall and winter months that you stop fertilizing them, as they become dormant and should not be fed during this time.
Temperature & Humidity – Just like the String of Dolphins, the String of Turtles also prefer cooler and more humid temperatures over the warmer temperatures that most succulents prefer.
Keeping your String of Turtles in a consistent temperature range from 68 -75 Degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Since they are a succulent, they still do not enjoy extremely cold temperatures, avoid placing them somewhere where they can be hit with cold air such as from a draft or Air Conditioner.
During the dryer months when a heater is usually running indoors – you may want to mist your plant lightly or run a humidifier to help increase the humidity for your plants.
Senecio Herreianus (purple flush) or as we call it, String of Bananas is another unique trailing succulent. Like the other string series of plants, this plant is easy to care for. Read the below tips to ensure you keep your String of Bananas looking its best!
Light – String of Bananas prefer bright in-direct sunlight and should never be placed in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause their leaves to become damaged and dry out the plant very quickly.
Soil – String of Bananas prefer well-draining soil. Be sure to use a potting mix that is specifically for succulents/cacti. Or if you are making your own mix – using 2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite/pumice and 1 part sand is an ideal mix for this variety of plants.
Water – Just like a succulent in nature, this plant is drought tolerant as their leaves can retain water for a long period of time. Due to this they do not need as frequent of a watering routine. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between watering's to prevent root rot and other overwatering related issues. During the fall and winter months, these plants go into dormancy – so reduce your watering frequency during these times as well.
Fertilizer – You can fertilize these plants annually with an organic liquid fertilizer, ensure that you dilute to half recommended strength. Over fertilizing these types of plants can cause a toxic build up as they don't have high fertilization requirements.
Temperature & Humidity – This plant prefers cooler and more humid temperatures over the warmer temperatures that most succulents thrive in. Avoid any cold drafts from any windows or air conditioners. You can also increase the humidity by running a humidifier in the room of the plant, or you can lightly mist their leaves.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is an attractive plant with round succulent leaves.
Light – Placing this plant in in-direct sunlight is where they do best. Remember to not place them in direct sunlight as long exposure to direct light can damage its leaves.
Soil – As with most succulents, the String of Pearls also prefer well-draining soil. Be sure to use a potting mix that is specifically for succulents/cacti.
Water – This plant is also drought tolerant as their leaves can retain water for a long period of time. Due to this they do not need as frequent of a watering routine.
Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between watering's to prevent root rot and other overwatering related issues. Pearls that look flat are a sign that the soil is too dry. Give it a good watering when needed but ensure to not to overwater them.
Fertilizer – Feed your String of Pearls with a diluted organic houseplant fertilizer. You can feed them biweekly or monthly during their growing season. Ensure that during the fall and winter months that you stop fertilizing them, as they become dormant and should not be fed during this time.
Temperature & Humidity – This plant prefers cooler and more humid temperatures over the warmer temperatures that most succulents thrive in. Avoid any cold drafts from any windows or air conditioners. To increase the humidity you can run a humidifier in the room of the plant, or you can lightly mist their leaves to help promote humidity.