The Majestic and Mysterious Flowering Dolphin Plant - Everything You Need to Know

Oleh Jodi Nicolas June 16, 2023 Post a Comment

If you are a plant enthusiast, you may have heard of the flowering dolphin plant, a unique and stunning species that's known for its interesting appearance and remarkable characteristics. With its elegant and intricate blooms that resemble dolphins leaping out of the water, this plant is truly a sight to behold. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of the flowering dolphin plant, exploring everything from its origins and physical attributes to its care requirements and symbolism.

The flowering dolphin plant, also known as Senecio peregrinus or string of dolphins, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid between two other popular succulent plants: Senecio rowleyanus (string of pearls) and Senecio articulatus (hot dog cactus). This crossbreeding has resulted in a plant with long, cascading stems that are covered in small, round leaves that look like miniature dolphins swimming in a sea of greenery. The plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors in warm climates and is relatively easy to care for, making it a favorite among hobbyists and collectors.

Physical Attributes

The flowering dolphin plant is a small, compact plant that typically measures around 6 inches in height and 12 inches in length. Its stems are thin and flexible, allowing them to bend and twist in various directions. The leaves are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to an inch in length. They are light green in color with a white stripe running down the center, giving them the appearance of a dolphin's body. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they bloom in clusters at the tips of the stems. When in full bloom, the flowers resemble dolphins jumping out of the water, which is where the plant gets its common name.

History and Origins

The flowering dolphin plant is a relatively new species in the world of succulent plants, having been first discovered in the late 20th century. It is believed to have originated in South Africa, where it was accidentally crossbred by a horticulturist who was trying to create a hybrid between Senecio rowleyanus and Senecio articulatus. The resulting plant had all the best features of its parent plants, including the string-like stems of the string of pearls and the round leaves of the hot dog cactus, but with a unique twist that made it stand out from the crowd.

Care Requirements

The flowering dolphin plant is a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. Here are some tips on how to care for your flowering dolphin plant:

Light: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, so place it near a window that gets plenty of light.
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that contains perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
Temperature: The plant thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and can tolerate low humidity.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

Symbolism and Meaning

Like many other plants, the flowering dolphin plant has symbolic meanings that vary depending on the culture and context. In general, the plant is associated with joy, freedom, and playfulness, thanks to its whimsical appearance and association with dolphins. In some cultures, dolphins are seen as messengers of good luck and fortune, while in others, they are regarded as symbols of intelligence and wisdom. The flowering dolphin plant can thus be seen as a representation of these positive attributes, making it a popular choice for gifts and decorations.

Propagation

The flowering dolphin plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. To propagate the plant using stem cuttings, simply cut off a healthy stem with several leaves and allow it to dry for a few days. Once the cut end has calloused over, plant the stem in well-draining soil and water sparingly until new growth appears. To propagate using leaf cuttings, simply remove a few leaves from the plant and place them on top of moist soil. In a few weeks, new roots should appear, and a new plant will begin to grow.

Common Issues

While the flowering dolphin plant is generally a hardy and low-maintenance plant, there are a few issues that can arise if the plant is not cared for properly. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Overwatering: This can cause root rot and lead to the death of the plant. To avoid overwatering, allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Underwatering: This can cause the leaves to shrivel and turn brown. To remedy this, water the plant thoroughly and increase the frequency of watering.
Pests: The plant is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Sunburn: Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. To prevent sunburn, move the plant to a shadier spot.

Fun Facts

The flowering dolphin plant is also known as "dolphin necklace" and "string of dolphins".
The plant is a popular choice for hanging baskets and terrariums due to its cascading stems.
The flowers of the plant are not particularly showy and are often overlooked in favor of the leaves.
The plant is not toxic to humans or pets and is safe to keep in the home.
The flowering dolphin plant can be grown alongside other succulent plants to create a stunning display of colors and textures.

The flowering dolphin plant is a unique and beautiful plant that's sure to capture the hearts of plant enthusiasts and collectors alike. With its intricate leaves that resemble dolphins leaping out of the water and its easy-to-care-for nature, this plant is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some whimsy and charm to their collection. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice plant enthusiast, the flowering dolphin plant is sure to delight and inspire you with its mysterious and majestic beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the flowering dolphin plant hard to care for?

The flowering dolphin plant is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil, and it should be watered sparingly to avoid overwatering.

Q2. Can the flowering dolphin plant be grown indoors?

Yes, the flowering dolphin plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. It can be grown in a pot or hanging basket and is an excellent choice for small spaces.

Q3. How often should I water my flowering dolphin plant?

Water your flowering dolphin plant once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.

Q4. What kind of soil does the flowering dolphin plant need?

The flowering dolphin plant prefers well-draining soil that contains perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. You can also add pebbles to the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

Q5. Does the flowering dolphin plant have any special requirements?

The flowering dolphin plant prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and can tolerate low humidity. It also benefits from occasional fertilization during the growing season.

Q6. Is the flowering dolphin plant toxic to pets?

No, the flowering dolphin plant is not toxic to humans or pets and is safe to keep in the home.

Q7. Can I propagate my flowering dolphin plant?

Yes, the flowering dolphin plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Simply allow the cuttings to callous over for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.

Q8. How do I prevent pests from attacking my flowering dolphin plant?

The flowering dolphin plant is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation and take action promptly if necessary.

Q9. What kind of fertilizer should I use for my flowering dolphin plant?

Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to give your flowering dolphin plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Q10. What are some other plants that go well with the flowering dolphin plant?

The flowering dolphin plant can be grown alongside other succulent plants, such as string of pearls and hot dog cactus, to create a stunning display of colors and textures.