Hippogriff Dolphin Necklace

Hippogriff Dolphin Necklace (Senecio peregrinus 'Hippogriff') is a fast-growing trailing succulent whose fleshy bluish-green leaves look like a pod of tiny leaping dolphins. It stays low at about 10cm high, but the stems trail past 1m, so it is best grown where they can hang. A basket on a bright patio or a shelf indoors shows the leaves off at close range.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves with a sense of humour. Every leaf is a miniature dolphin in silvery blue-green, a talking point for guests and children alike.
• Quick to trail. Growth is fast, so a young plant soon starts to spill over the rim and fill the pot.
• Easy on the watering can. The fleshy leaves store water, so you water only after the soil has dried out.
• Tiny flowers, your choice. Snip them off to keep a clean look, or leave them on for added interest.
• Indoors or out. Bright, indirect light is all it asks, which suits shelves, verandahs and balconies.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. Plant three tubes to a 300mm basket for a full, quick result. The stems trail past 1m, so hang the basket where they have room to swing.

Indoor shelves and windowsills. Set it on a high shelf or in a hanging pot in a bright room, out of the afternoon sun that comes through glass, and let the stems trail.

Balconies and courtyards. A hanging pot on a sheltered balcony gives you a living ornament without using any floor space.

Growing Hippogriff Dolphin Necklace in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light suits it best, outdoors in a sheltered spot or indoors near a window. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so in cold areas keep it indoors or bring the basket under cover for winter.

Soil. Plant in free-draining soil. A cactus and succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes works well, and a handful of grit makes it sharper still.

Water and feed. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and take care not to overwater, which is the quickest way to lose it. For best results, apply a general fertiliser twice a year to enhance growth.

Pruning. Trim straggly stems to tidy the shape. Cuttings strike easily in gritty mix, so you can make new baskets from the trimmings.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Hippogriff Dolphin Necklace as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives with short trailing stems and puts on length quickly in warm weather. Pot it into free-draining mix as soon as it arrives.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plants for bright rooms
• Succulents to plant alongside it
• Plants that suit balconies
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

How long do the stems get?

Over a metre in good conditions. They keep trailing as the plant grows, so give a hanging basket plenty of drop.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. Senecios contain alkaloids that make them toxic if eaten, so hang it well out of reach of cats, dogs and children.

Why are the dolphins shrivelling?

Either the soil has been dry for too long or, more often, the roots have rotted from overwatering. Check the soil first. If it is wet, let it dry and water less.