Curio herreanus aka String Of Dolphins

Taxonomy

Curio herreanus, also known as String of Watermelons, String of Beads, Gooseberry Plant, and String of Raindrops, is a flowering succulent plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to South Africa, this plant is grown as an ornamental and is similar in appearance to the more common plant, String of Pearls. Formerly known as Senecio herreanus or Senecio herreianus, Curio herreanus is a member of the Curio genus, which contains over 20 species of evergreen succulents. The leaves of the String of Watermelons are larger, less globular, more elongate, and more glaucous than its counterpart, String of Pearls. The stems of the plant are thicker, stiffer, and somewhat more erect, though young plants are initially upright before becoming pendant or scandent over time. To thrive, this popular houseplant requires regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

String Of Dolphins

How to care for String Of Dolphins

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for String Of Dolphins, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

String Of Dolphins should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

To keep your String Of Dolphins healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

String Of Dolphins requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your String Of Dolphins is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for String Of Dolphins plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

String Of Dolphins thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The String Of Dolphins is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

String Of Dolphins’s native range is Southwestern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia