Image: AI generated
String Of Dolphins Plant Care
Senecio peregrinus Griseb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dendrophorbium peregrinum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. It was first described by August Grisebach in 1879 as Senecio peregrinus.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light to full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for String Of Dolphins?
Water String Of Dolphins every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the String Of Dolphins?
String Of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Senecio genus. String Of Dolphins is native to northwestern Argentina and Bolivia.
String Of Dolphins displays an upright, trailing, or clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. String Of Dolphins produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a String Of Dolphins?
Senecio peregrinus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the String Of Dolphins Need?
String Of Dolphins thrives in bright indirect light to full sun. Avoid placing String Of Dolphins in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the String Of Dolphins Prefer?
Senecio peregrinus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. String Of Dolphins prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a String Of Dolphins?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for String Of Dolphins to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a String Of Dolphins?
Feed String Of Dolphins every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a String Of Dolphins?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a String Of Dolphins?
String Of Dolphins can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to string of pearls plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the String Of Dolphins Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Senecio species (which includes String Of Dolphins). View the ASPCA entry
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the String Of Dolphins?
String Of Dolphins is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the String Of Dolphins Need?
String Of Dolphins grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. String Of Dolphins is native to northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow String Of Dolphins as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
String Of Dolphins is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Senecio genus — compare its care with other Senecio species on PlantoScan.
Senecio is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
String Of Dolphins thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Senecio peregrinus Griseb., family Asteraceae (first published in Abh. Königl. Ges. Wiss. Göttingen 24: 205 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Senecio species (which includes String Of Dolphins) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
String Of Dolphins Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species