About String of Dolphins
A whimsical trailing succulent with small, curved leaves shaped remarkably like jumping dolphins, complete with a 'fin' and 'tail.' A hybrid between String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) and Candle Plant (Curio articulatus), it trails elegantly from hanging pots and is a social media favorite for its playful leaf shape. A conversation starter in any plant collection. String of Dolphins belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from Horticultural hybrid — does not exist in the wild. Parent species originate from South Africa (Curio rowleyanus) and East Africa (Curio articulatus)..
String of Dolphins became viral in Philippine plant communities around 2020-2021 during the plant craze, with prices initially sky-high before normalizing. Now moderately priced and available from online sellers on Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook plant groups. Filipino growers keep it in hanging macrame planters on covered balconies — the dolphin-shaped leaves make it a constant conversation piece. Like other string succulents, the main PH challenge is rain and humidity. Hang under a covered area with good morning light. It tends to grow best during the cooler months (November-February) and may slow down or stress during peak summer heat.
Also known as: Dolphin Plant, Flying Dolphins.
Popular Varieties
- Curio × peregrinus (standard String of Dolphins)
- Variegated String of Dolphins (cream and green — very rare and expensive)
- Related: Curio rowleyanus (String of Pearls — spherical bead-like leaves)
- Related: Curio radicans (String of Bananas — banana-shaped leaves)
How to Plant String of Dolphins in the Philippines
String of Dolphins can be propagated through stem cuttings. The recommended method is stem cuttings laid on soil.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 10-15 cm sections of healthy trailing stems.
- Step 2: Remove 2-3 leaves from the base of each cutting to expose nodes.
- Step 3: Lay cuttings on moist succulent mix with nodes touching the soil surface.
- Step 4: Pin down with small U-shaped wire or bobby pins if needed.
- Step 5: Keep in bright indirect light and mist lightly. Roots from nodes in 2-3 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to gentle morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon sun — dolphin leaves scorch and flatten out.. Position your string of dolphins where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water when soil is dry, about every 7-10 days. Slightly more thirsty than String of Pearls. Reduce in rainy season. Bottom watering recommended to keep foliage dry. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18-28°C ideal. Tolerates Philippine heat if kept in shade. Performs best during the cooler months (November-February).. Moderate tolerance — handles PH humidity if given good airflow. Avoid enclosed humid spaces. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing string of dolphins outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during dry growing season. Stop feeding in wet season.
Pruning
Trim trailing stems to encourage branching. Propagate trimmed sections. Remove any dried or dying stems from the pot.
Toxicity & Safety
Mildly toxic if ingested by pets (cats and dogs). Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Keep hanging pots out of reach of pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Dolphin-shaped leaves flattening or losing shape
Cause: Overwatering, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or too little light
Solution: Reduce watering. Use balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. Increase light — the stressed, slightly lean conditions produce the best dolphin shapes.
Stems shriveling and drying
Cause: Severe underwatering or root loss
Solution: Water thoroughly and check root health. If roots are gone, re-root the stems in fresh soil.
Mushy stems rotting in the pot
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage compounded by PH humidity
Solution: Remove all rotted material. Repot healthy stems in fresh, gritty mix. Water less frequently and use a terracotta pot for faster drying.
Aphids on tender new growth
Cause: Soft new growth attracts sap-sucking insects
Solution: Spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap. Check weekly and treat promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for String of Dolphins in the Philippines?
String of Dolphins needs bright indirect light to gentle morning sun. avoid harsh afternoon sun — dolphin leaves scorch and flatten out.. Water when soil is dry, about every 7-10 days. slightly more thirsty than string of pearls. reduce in rainy season. bottom watering recommended to keep foliage dry.. Feed with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during dry growing season. stop feeding in wet season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-28°C ideal. Tolerates Philippine heat if kept in shade. Performs best during the cooler months (November-February). works well for this plant.
How do you propagate String of Dolphins?
The recommended method is stem cuttings laid on soil. Cut 10-15 cm sections of healthy trailing stems. Remove 2-3 leaves from the base of each cutting to expose nodes.
Is String of Dolphins toxic to pets or children?
Mildly toxic if ingested by pets (cats and dogs). Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Keep hanging pots out of reach of pets.
Can String of Dolphins grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, String of Dolphins grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing String of Dolphins?
Common issues include: Dolphin-shaped leaves flattening or losing shape (caused by overwatering, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or too little light — reduce watering. use balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. increase light — the stressed, slightly lean conditions produce the best dolphin shapes); Stems shriveling and drying (caused by severe underwatering or root loss — water thoroughly and check root health. if roots are gone, re-root the stems in fresh soil); Mushy stems rotting in the pot (caused by overwatering or poor drainage compounded by ph humidity — remove all rotted material. repot healthy stems in fresh, gritty mix. water less frequently and use a terracotta pot for faster drying).
Growing string of dolphins in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!