{"id":6231,"date":"2026-02-13T09:43:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T17:43:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/learn-how-to-grow-and-care-for-string-of-dolphins\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T09:43:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T17:43:50","slug":"learn-how-to-grow-and-care-for-string-of-dolphins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/learn-how-to-grow-and-care-for-string-of-dolphins\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn How to Grow and Care for String of Dolphins"},"content":{"rendered":"

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How to Grow<\/h2>\n

The key to success with any plant is to understand its cultural requirements as determined by its native environment, and to try to replicate them at home.<\/p>\n

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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In this case, we have a succulent that does not grow in the wild, and so we should consider the requirements of the parents from which it originates.<\/p>\n

Climate<\/h3>\n

As a hybrid of two succulent species native to the South African Cape Province region, string of dolphins is genetically wired for hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters.<\/p>\n

An average home environment with temperatures of 60 to 80\u00b0F and humidity in the 30- to 50-percent range is suitable.<\/p>\n

This is a frost-tender hybrid that declines with cold temperatures.<\/p>\n

If yours vacations outdoors in the summer, be sure to bring it back inside before the nights dip into the 50s, well before the first frost.<\/p>\n

Light<\/h3>\n

Indoors, x B.<\/em> delphinatifolius<\/em> requires bright, indirect sunlight for effective photosynthesis, the process of converting light to energy that keeps foliage vibrant.<\/p>\n

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\"A\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

A position about three feet from a south- or east-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct exposure that can scorch the foliage.<\/p>\n

If you like to place your plants outdoors in the summer, choose a location with full sun to part shade for optimal health.<\/p>\n

Soil<\/h3>\n

As with many types of succulents, string of dolphins prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.<\/p>\n

It should be gritty for fast drainage. A cactus and succulent mix is the best choice for houseplant cultivation.<\/p>\n

Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil blends compost, peat moss, and sand with limestone for the appropriate pH balance, resulting in a slightly acidic, rapidly draining substrate.<\/p>\n

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Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil is available from Hoffman via Amazon<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Water<\/h3>\n

Use the \u201csoak and dry\u201d method of watering for best results. Allow the soil to dry out completely before thoroughly saturating it with water.<\/p>\n

Moisture needs are greatest during the spring and summer growing season, during fall and winter dormancy you\u2019ll need to water less often.<\/p>\n

Fertilizer<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not necessary to fertilize and overfeeding can cause the dolphin-like foliage to become misshapen.<\/p>\n

If you choose to feed, apply a balanced liquid succulent fertilizer at a quarter strength once a month during the spring and summer months.<\/p>\n

A product like Dr. Earth Succulence is ideal. It\u2019s mild, with an NPK ratio of 1-1-2, formulated for succulents.<\/p>\n

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Dr. Earth Succulence<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

You can find Dr. Earth Succulence in 16-ounce bottles available at Arbico Organics<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h2>\n

While it is not one of the more common succulents, you are likely to find x B.<\/em> delphinatifolius<\/em> available from specialty nurseries and those that carry a wide selection of succulents.<\/p>\n

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\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

String of Dolphins<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Find string of dolphins in four- and six-inch starter pots, and bare root specimens available at Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Maintenance<\/h2>\n

The stems of a dolphin succulent grow rapidly.<\/p>\n

If you find they are getting \u201cleggy,\u201d with longer spaces than usual between the leaves, you can prune to promote more compact, branching growth.<\/p>\n

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\"A\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Use clean shears to cut just below a leaf node to stimulate lateral growth from that point. You may want to use the cutting to propagate new plants as discussed below.<\/p>\n

Repotting is an infrequent maintenance task best done during dormancy in late winter to early spring.<\/p>\n

When the roots protrude from the drainage hole, or there is no longer an inch of space between the foliage and pot rim for easy watering, select a pot one size larger than the current vessel.<\/p>\n

Do not water the day before repotting. You\u2019ll want the soil dry so you can loosen and remove most of it before replanting in fresh cactus and succulent potting mix.<\/p>\n

Fill the bottom third of the new container with soil. Settle the root mass in the pot at the original depth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n