Scientific Name
×Bacurio delphinatifolius Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo
Common Name(s)
Dolphin Necklace, Dolphin Plant, Flying Dolphins, String of Dolphins
Synonym(s)
×Bacurio delphinatifolius, Curio × peregrinus, Kleinia peregrina, Senecio 'Hippogriff', Senecio × peregrinus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Nothogenus: ×Bacurio
Origin
×Bacurio delphinatifolius is an intergeneric hybrid that results from a cross between Baculellum articulatum (formerly known as Curio articulatus) and Curio rowleyanus.
Description
×Bacurio delphinatifolius, also known as Senecio 'Hippogriff', Curio × peregrinus or Senecio × peregrinus, is a beautiful succulent plant with leaves that look like tiny dolphins jumping out of the waves. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. As the leaves grow, they become more and more similar, perfecting themselves as an impressive potted plant.
The small white flowers form tightly compacted puffballs with a halo of deep red to golden yellow filaments. They appear in the fall.
×Bacurio delphinatifolius is often incorrectly called Curio peregrinus, Senecio peregrinus, or Dendrophorbium peregrinum
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
This plant tolerates dry periods but must be kept moist enough to prevent the dolphin leaves from puckering. Choose a well-draining potting medium and use a container that is just a bit larger than the plant. The String of Dolphins thrives in slightly crowded conditions.
The string of Dolphins may just be another novelty plant, but they are also selective about some of their care. Their cultivation requirements are similar to their parent plants. Provide them with bright but indirect light.
The optimum average temperatures are 72 °F (22 °C) during the growing season. However, this plant will go dormant in winter and requires slightly cooler temps, around 50 to 55 °F (10 to 13 °C).
Allow soil to dry out between watering. On average, this plant needs to be watered once weekly in the growing season but only once monthly in the dormant period.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a String of Dolphins.
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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