Senecio peregrinus (Dolphin Necklace)

Scientific Name

Senecio peregrinus Griseb.

Common Names

Dolphin Necklace, Dolphin Plant, Flying Dolphins

Synonyms

Senecio x peregrinus, Dendrophorbium peregrinum

Scientific Classification

Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio

Description

Senecio peregrinus is a beautiful, succulent plant up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall with leaves that look like tiny, little dolphins jumping out of the waves. As they grow, they are becoming more and more similar, perfecting themselves as an impressive potted plant.

Photo via mymodernmet.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Like all succulents, these plants are tolerant of periods of dryness but will need to 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. Dolphin Plants thrive in slightly crowded conditions.

Dolphin Plants may be just 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. The 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, plants need to be watered once per week in the growing season but only once per month in the dormant period… – See more at: How To Grow and Care for a Dolphin Necklace (Senecio peregrinus)