Dolphin Succulents to Bring Breath of Ocean to Your Home

One of the many reasons why succulents of any variety are well-loved by their growers is that it’s varied when it comes to color, texture, and shape. The online succulent lovers’ community often stumbles upon rare and new succulent species that pique their interests and entice them to grow them. 

Haworthias are usually small succulents, and this is the reason why succulent lovers patronize them. Rustic black succulents and premium purple succulents also left people in awe because of their unique characteristics. You see, succulents are versatile and awe-inspiring in their own way. 

Yes, most of these succulent varieties are quirky and are indeed sights to behold. Try expanding your succulent collection by adding rare plants. An example of this is Monilaria Moniliformis, or commonly known as bunny succulents. This succulent variety stole the hearts of many a few years back because of its base-stemming leaves that looked a lot like a bunny with extra-long ears. 

Aside from bunny succulents, we also have the popular octopus agave with long, twisting leaves that look like octopus tentacles. Now, there’s another animal-like succulent to love, and it’s the dolphin succulent. Since its discovery, this succulent variety has been making waves because of its protruding curved leaves.

What Are Dolphin Succulents

The dolphin succulent comes in many names. Its scientific name is Senecio Peregrinus, but it’s also called the dolphin necklace and flying dolphins. This variety became an instant hit within the succulent lovers’ community, especially in Japan. 

It’s not hard to tell why many fell in love with this succulent variety. For one, it has gorgeous curved leaves that beautifully protrude from its stemmed vine, looking like the dorsal fins of a kitted-out jumping dolphin. If you take a closer look at it, you’ll realize that this plant has the closest resemblance to a real-life dolphin. 

This plant’s unique formation is due to the cross-pollination of candle or hotdog plant (Senecio Articulates) and a string of pearls (Senecio Roweleyanus). They can grow as high as 15 centimeters or 6 inches. Unlike the well-known bunny succulent, this plant keeps its dolphin shape even if it grows taller. Aside from that, the longer its vine gets, the more leaves it grows, leaving you with a plant that resembles an ocean full of jumping dolphins. During warmer months, expect to see tiny star-like pink and white flowers on its leaves, making it one of the world’s best colorful succulents. 

Benefits of Dolphin Succulents

Attract Attention

One of the many benefits of having a dolphin succulent at your home is its aesthetics and how it can beautify your property. Since they look like real dolphins, you can make them a centerpiece in any of your rooms, especially the living area. They’re more than enough to attract attention and leave your guests in awe. For example, while it’s easy to maintain pink succulents, they compliment other green-colored succulents when placed in an arrangement. With this said, you can add pink succulents when you arrange them with your dolphin succulents in a large pot. When the latter starts to bloom, the former will look perfect with the latter’s pink and white flowers. 

Clean the Air

Aside from aesthetics, this succulent, like other succulent varieties, can clean and purify the indoor air. As you may already know, indoor air is two to three times more polluted than the air in an open space. Because of more constrained airflow, toxins linger and circulate longer in an enclosed space. If you place succulents in an indoor setting, you can expect them to take in the polluted air, process it in their system, and revert it as clean air for humans in the room to inhale. 

Stress Reliever

Succulents are also very good stress-relievers. Taking care of them can ease your mind off your stressors and allow you to think happier thoughts by yourself. It can also push you to move around and exercise. Overall, this succulent offers a plethora of benefits that are best for you and your overall well-being. 

How Do Dolphin Succulents Work

Growers and succulent enthusiasts were left in awe by this succulent variety because of its unique shape, making you think of real-life dolphins. According to its owners, this plant never failed to awe their friends, family, and visitors as they come by. If there’s a disadvantage, that would be people frequently asking for a piece of it. 

They are also well-loved because they can grow up to 15 centimeters tall, with tiny white and pink flowers growing on them during their flowering season. If you want to grow this variety, you only need a leaf and damp soil, and they’re ready to grow their roots. They also love the sun and hate sitting on excessive moisture. During winter months, they grow dormant; hence, they only require watering once a month. 

Pros and Cons of Dolphin Succulents

Pros

One of the many advantages of growing dolphin succulents is to have something for your fellow succulent enthusiasts to talk about when you gather or visit each other’s house. This unique and cute-looking plant is the perfect decoration for any room or space. If you want a piece of nature, you get a hint of both flora and fauna just by having this plant by your side. 

Another advantage is the fact that they’re genuinely low-key and low-maintenance plants. You can enjoy its benefits and perks without having to exert too much effort in caring for and maintaining them. Even if you don’t have time to water or give your plants some tender loving care from time to time, they won’t fail you – they will continue to thrive. 

Succulents like this variety can also lessen your stress as they are unique and pleasing to look at. They can take you back to your childhood as easily as looking at them and wonder how they were formed that way. Even if you’re not a pro at growing succulents, you can’t help but be in awe at how this succulent shape like real dolphins. 

Cons

The only disadvantage of this succulent is their sensitivity to water and the need for sunlight. You run the risk of overwatering them, quickly causing them to rot and die. When you fail to give it light, they will also etiolate and refuse to thrive. However, these disadvantages are only so meager compared to the joy the plant brings. Plus, light and water are the only conditions this plant requires to grow. It won’t hurt if you allow them access to these. 

Features of Dolphin Succulents

Form

When it comes to forming, this succulent variety looks like creeping succulents that grow sidewards but not as expansive as other creeping and crawling varieties. They can be potted or planted directly in the soil. 

Foliage

It’s easy to distinguish them according to form because of their curved leaves that look like jumping dolphins.

Flowers

As mentioned above, this plant will grow tiny white and pink flowers that look like bells during the plant’s flowering season. These flowers are found on the end of its stem, drawing attention from the dolphin-shaped leaves. 

Dolphin Succulent Requirements

Light Requirements

Some succulents require less sunshine. This variety is not one of them. Dolphin succulents are sunlight lovers, so you need to place them in areas where they can access ample sunlight. They need a medium to full sunlight exposure. 

Ideal Temperature

This plant grows best in average indoor humidity level and household temperature. They are not frost-tolerant, but they like cooler temperatures. They can tolerate winter temperatures that can go as low as 4-degrees Celcius or 40-degrees Fahrenheit. 

Soil and Pot Requirements

Just like other succulent varieties, dolphin succulents need well-draining, arid soil. You can use succulent/cactus mixes or mixes you make at home. Mix 1 part of sand, 1 part of pumice, and two parts of potting soil, and you now have the perfect dolphin succulent potting mix. 

Watering Needs

Just like other succulents, they don’t like to be overwatered. With this, make sure to water them sparingly. When they are dormant during the winter season, watering them once a week is enough. 

Underwatered or Overwatered

Since succulents are generally sensitive to water, they shouldn’t be underwatered or overwatered as their roots will surely rot and get moldy. If they don’t get enough moisture, they can be puckery; however, if you can give them the suitable water amount they need, the better. 

Fertilizing Needs

This succulent variety doesn’t require regular fertilization. If you overfertilize them, they’ll quickly lose their iconic dolphin-like shape. However, they’ll do just fine if you light to feed them during spring with an organic fertilizer like fish emulsion, liquid kelp, or worm compost. 

How to Grow Dolphin Succulents

Step 1 – Choose your method of propagation

If you intend to grow your succulent from their seed, you need to soak the seed in warm water. After that, soak them again in cold water for them to germinate. 

Step 2 – Plant them in your container

Once the seeds start to germinate, it’s now time to move them into their container. Place the right potting mix into the pot and plant the seeds. Cover the seeds with more potting mix until you cover the neck of the pot. 

Step 3 – Choose the right area for your succulent

After planting, choose the right spot to allow your succulent to grow. As mentioned above, dolphin succulents are sunlight lovers, so you need to place them in areas where they can access ample sunlight. They require medium to full sunlight exposure. This plant also grows best in average indoor humidity level and household temperature. They are not frost-tolerant, but they like cooler temperatures. They can tolerate winter temperatures that can go as low as 4-degrees Celcius or 40-degrees Fahrenheit. 

 

How to Water Dolphin Succulents 

There is only one step to remember when watering your dolphin succulents, and it’s this – avoid overwatering them. To recapitulate, just like other succulents, they don’t like to be overwatered. With this, make sure to water them sparingly. When they are dormant during the winter season, watering them once a week is enough. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

This philosophy doesn’t apply to dolphin succulents since they can be propagated by seed, leaves, or stem. You don’t need to break your bank account or wallet to see them germinate, reproduce, and thrive. All you need to have is knowledge on how to grow them and how to keep them alive. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Dolphin Succulents 

Do’s

• Do make sure to repot your succulent after bringing it home.
• Do invest in these plants since growing succulents can improve your health. 
• Do try growing a wide range of flowering succulents. 
• Do remember that letting your succulent hang freely can make them thrive. 

Dont’s

• Don’t experiment by mixing unusually tall succulents with creeping and colorful ones in a single arrangement. 
• Don’t overwater your dolphin succulents. 
• Don’t forget to repot them after bringing them home. 
• Don’t overfertilize your dolphin succulents. 

FAQ About Dolphin Succulents

Where can I buy dolphin succulents?

You can get them in your local succulent and flower shop. You can also find different succulent sellers on Etsy, Amazon, Facebook marketplace, and Instagram. You can even search for local growers in your area to get your succulent as soon as possible. 

How do you plant dolphin succulent seeds?

You can refer to the guide we have written above to plant and propagate dolphin succulents from seeds. 

Are dolphin succulents easy to grow?

Yes, they are pretty easy to propagate. You can use their seed, leaves, or stem. Allow any of these to root before planting them in a pot with the right potting mix. 

How often should I water my dolphin succulent?

As mentioned earlier, just like other succulents, they don’t like to be overwatered. With this, make sure to water them sparingly. When they are dormant during the winter season, watering them once a week is enough.

Why is my dolphin succulent dying?

One of the main reasons dolphin succulents end up dying is that their roots might have rotted due to excessive moisture. This is precisely the reason why you should water them sparingly and use a pot and soil that has an excellent drainage capacity. When they sit on excessive moisture for a long time, the roots will get moldy, leaving the plant to die. 

Conclusion

Caring for your dolphin succulents is easy when you know their needs and understand why they need them. If you give them the right amount of sunlight they need, they won’t etiolate. If you water them sparingly, their roots won’t rot. And if you repot them when necessary, they won’t outgrow their respective containers. They’re like your loved ones and household pets. They grow and thrive when you give them some tender loving care once in a while. So, take these tips to heart and see your dolphin succulents grow and jump out of the water like they’re alive!

Photos from: O-SHI-ADISORN / depositphotos.com.