Senecio ‘Dolphin Necklace’

Senecio 'Dolphin Necklace' (Curio x peregrinus) is a trailing succulent whose leaves curve into the shape of a leaping dolphin, fin and all. The plant is only about 200mm high, but the stems trail to roughly 600mm, so it is grown almost entirely in hanging pots and over the top of a retaining wall. It is a hybrid of string of pearls and candle plant.

Why you'll love it

• The leaf shape is the whole plant. Each leaf carries a genuine dolphin silhouette, complete with a dorsal fin.
• Long trails from a small plant. Stems reach around 600mm, so a single 200mm hanging pot fills a window corner with no support structure.
• It handles heat and neglect. Drought tolerant and heat tolerant, storing its own water in those thick leaves.
• It propagates itself. Any trimmed stem strikes readily in the same pot, which is how a thin young plant becomes a full one.

Where it works best

Hanging pots and shelves. This is the obvious use and the best one. A 150mm to 200mm hanging pot with sharp drainage lets the stems hang clear, which is when the leaf shape reads properly.

Retaining walls and slopes. In a frost free garden it will spill down the face of a warm wall or over the edge of a raised bed, softening hard edges.

Balconies and courtyards. A sheltered spot with morning sun suits it. Keep it out of harsh afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves, and out of driving wind.

Growing Dolphin Necklace in Australia

Position and climate. Bright light is what keeps the dolphin shape: in dim conditions the leaves elongate and the shape is lost for good. Give it full morning sun outdoors, or the brightest window indoors. It is frost tender, so outdoor growing suits warm temperate, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid gardens only.

Soil. A cactus and succulent mix, or potting mix opened up with coarse sand and perlite. A hanging pot without a drainage hole is the fastest way to lose this plant.

Water. Soak the mix through, let it drain, then wait until it is dry to the base: roughly every two to three weeks in summer and monthly in winter. Soft translucent leaves mean too much water.

Feed, pruning and pets. A half strength liquid feed once or twice through spring and summer. Trim straggly stems and lay the cuttings on the mix, where they root within weeks. Senecio and Curio species are toxic to cats and dogs, so hang it well clear of the floor.

What to expect when it arrives

Dolphin Necklace is sold as tube stock, so you receive a young plant with short stems rather than the long trails you see in photographs. Pot it on into a 150mm hanging pot and expect real trailing growth through its second warm season.

Succulents travel well because the leaves hold their own moisture, though a few detached leaves in the box are normal for a trailing type. Leave it dry for the first week somewhere bright. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full succulent range
• See what else suits a wall edge in plants for retaining walls
• Choosing the right size pot for your plant
• Find indoor companions in the indoor plant collection

Common questions

Why have my leaves lost the dolphin shape?

Not enough light. In low light the leaves stretch out and flatten into an ordinary oval, and that growth never reverts. Move the plant somewhere much brighter.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Senecio and Curio species contain compounds toxic to cats and dogs, and the trailing stems are exactly what a curious cat reaches for. Hang it high.

How do I make a thin plant look fuller?

Cut the longest stems back and lay the pieces on the surface of the same pot. They root within a few weeks and fill the middle.