String of Dolphins Care (× Bacurio delphinatifolius)

This succulent hybrid prefers bright, indirect light that mimics open, airy habitats.

• Provide 4–6 hours of bright, indirect light daily; east-facing morning sun or light filtered through a sheer curtain is ideal for String of Dolphins.
• Tolerates light partial shade, but stems stretch and leaf gaps widen if grown in less than 3–4 hours of bright light.
• Protect from intense midday and late-afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves; in summer, move slightly back from south- or west-facing exposures.

This plant stores water in its leaves and needs infrequent, careful watering.

• Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry fully before watering; in warm growing seasons this often means waiting until leaves just start to feel less firm.
• Use a sharply draining, gritty mix so water runs through quickly, reducing root-rot risk for × Bacurio delphinatifolius.
• In winter, water much less often when growth slows; prune back if stems shrivel, but avoid soggy, dark, mushy foliage, which signals overwatering.

This succulent grows best in warm, stable conditions without frost exposure.

• Aim for 65–80°F (18–27°C) during active growth; brief dips to 60°F (16°C) are usually tolerated without damage.
• Avoid temperatures below 40°F (4°C); frost can scar or kill foliage and stems, so protect plants if cold nights are forecast.
• In hot spells above 90°F (32°C), increase airflow and provide light shade to limit stress, especially for shallow or container root systems.

This succulent handles typical indoor humidity and rarely needs special adjustments.

• Target 30–50% humidity, similar to most heated or air‑conditioned homes.
• Dry air is usually tolerated; issues appear more from overwatering than from low humidity.
• If leaf tips shrivel while soil stays dry for long periods, group pots together or move away from strong heating vents.

This plant needs a sharply draining, airy mix that dries quickly between waterings.

• Use a gritty, sandy mix such as 50–60% cactus/succulent mix blended with coarse perlite or pumice.
• Aim for pH around 6.0–7.5, which most commercial cactus mixes already provide.
• Ensure the mix feels loose and crumbly so roots receive ample oxygen and excess water drains in seconds, not minutes.
• Avoid heavy, peat‑only or garden soils that stay wet or compact, as × Bacurio delphinatifolius is prone to root rot in stagnant conditions.

This species is well suited to container growing due to its compact, trailing habit.

• Choose a wide, shallow pot that allows roots to spread laterally while keeping the soil volume small enough to dry efficiently.
• Prefer unglazed terracotta in humid or cool homes, as it speeds evaporation and reduces the risk of chronically damp soil.
• Secure hanging containers or rail planters firmly because the trailing stems can create uneven weight that shifts the pot over time.

This hybrid succulent, often sold as String of Dolphins, benefits from light feeding during its active growing season.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (around 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to 25–50% strength for container plants.
• Apply every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer, only on moist soil, to avoid root burn.
• Stop feeding in fall and winter when growth slows, as excess nutrients can cause weak, leggy stems.
• Avoid heavy compost or rich slow-release products that keep soil wet; prioritize well-draining, low-salt formulas.

Pruning × Bacurio delphinatifolius keeps the trailing stems compact and promotes denser growth.

• Best time for pruning is late winter to early spring, just before active growth starts.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or snips to remove dead, shriveled, or damaged stems at their base.
• Shorten excessively long or sparse vines to encourage branching and a fuller hanging shape.
• Take healthy tip pieces from pruned stems for cuttings, combining maintenance with propagation.

This plant prefers slightly snug containers and only needs repotting when growth or roots become constrained.

• Check for roots circling the pot, pushing through drainage holes, or slowing top growth as signals to repot.
• Plan to repot every 2–3 years in spring, using a shallow pot with excellent drainage and a gritty succulent mix.
• Water lightly 1–2 days before repotting to reduce root breakage, then gently tease apart circling roots.
• After transplanting, keep the plant in bright, indirect light and water sparingly for 7–10 days to limit stress.

Propagation of × Bacurio delphinatifolius is commonly done from stem cuttings taken during the warm growing season.

• Take 5–8 cm healthy stem cuttings in late spring or summer, removing the lowest leaves.
• Allow cut ends to dry and callus for 1–2 days to reduce rot risk before planting.
• Place cuttings on or slightly in a fast-draining succulent mix, keeping the medium barely moist.
• Provide bright, indirect light and warm conditions around 70–75°F until roots form, usually in a few weeks.

This succulent hybrid is not very frost tolerant and benefits from mindful winter care, especially in cool climates.

• In regions below 30–32°F, grow × Bacurio delphinatifolius in containers that can be moved indoors for winter.
• Place indoor plants in the brightest possible spot, away from cold drafts and heating vents.
• Allow soil to dry more deeply between waterings in winter, as reduced light and cool temperatures slow growth.