When I propagate or plant any type of string of succulent I usually put all the ends together into a coffee filter sack, so to speak, tie it off loosely with a thin thin thread and plop it right into the middle of the pot. as the roots grow bigger and stronger the thread breaks and gives the plant plenty of room and the middle of the pot is so Lush and full. It also gives the plant an opportunity to root all the way to the edge of the pot along the stem. You know when you buy a tree from a nursery sometimes they come in those root sacks? It's kind of something like that. It seems to work for me rather than just sticking individual stems into the soil, I have a much better outcome that way. ❤️
I'm in the northeast, and cannot keep this plant alive no matter what I do even using Bonsai Jack/coconut coir. I used the soak-and-dry method and watered weekly and then bi-weekly, and the dolphins still flattened. Thought that they weren't getting enough light, so I put them under grow lights. The dolphins flattened. *sigh* It can drop to 55 degrees indoors during the winter, so that may be the issue. Thank you so much for teaching us all these techniques!
The temperature could definitely be affecting their growth. Are you able to put them in a warmer spot? You can also try curling the "dolphins" on top of the pot until they grow longer and stronger.
Hi everybody! And Cassidy! I recently purchased a really wonderful String of Dolphins from a local nursery - super full on top and already has about 18” of growth (some strands a little longer). I bought a grow light for her but, even with 6hrs under the grow light (about 18-24 inches away), many of the strands have begun curling upwards towards the light. I know that stretching/leaning/reaching is a sign that the plant needs more light, and have confirmed that this *is* a defense mechanism that this plant utilizes. However, I’ve also read that string of dolphins is happiest with no more than 6hrs of direct light. Since starting the grow light, even in just the 5 days of using it, I’ve noticed a huge difference in the top of the plant; the stems seem to be stronger and not as earth bound /flat. I’m guessing that the leaves at the end of the long strands are just much further away than the top of the plant and that is why they’re reaching? Would they still reach if the base of the plant is getting enough light? I’m most concerned about burning my plant/over sunning it at its base - the grow light is only on its medium setting - but I want to make it happy! What do you all think? Increase the length of time of light? Increase intensity of the light? Move sunlamp closer to the base? Thank you in advance!!! - an overly concerned helicopter first time plant mom :)
It sounds like your plants are in great hands! You can gradually expose them to longer lengths of light, being careful as you said to not burn your plants. You may try to coil the "strings" on top of the soil to give them more light until they recover a bit more.
I've also had my string of dolphins since Sept 2019. It was lush and green at first, and now its pale and spindly. Basically all the little dolphins dried up and all I'm left with are the pale stems. If Cassidy can address this, that would be great!
Great video! Love watching your channel😉 The grocery store plants always need saving in my opinion, most of the time lol. You have so many new plants and that's why I love succulents so much! They're irresistibly beautiful and always seem to surprise me with what they can come back from.
I just realized I watched this same video 7 months ago.. it was just as good this time, as it was last and so informative as always. Thank you for your time and knowledge. I really appreciate you sharing all you do with us🦋
I"ve had a string of dolphins for about a year now, and it was nice and dark green when I first got it, but now it's quite a bit paler in color. Is it getting too much light? I have it in a south facing window.
So, how long since you transplanted them before they became that in the lush pot? Thank you too for sharing this. I am going to transplant three very tiny pots of dolphins I got from the store. They have short branches, should I plant them the way you did or just move them the way they are except to a bigger pot in succulent mix soil?
I have a single stran of string of bananas that is getting to long for the small pot its in .whats the best pot to repot it in . also does it need to be hanged
String of Bananas will continue to spread out further. It lends itself well to growing down out of a hanging basket. The size of the pot won't matter, just whatever you like best :)
Yes you can even just use coconut coir and then once it's large enough to repot place it in the gritty mix and coconut coir as shown in this video. th-cam.com/video/UFg26D69hD0/w-d-xo.html
this post can help with choosing the right size of pot for your succulent: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-potterypost The part about size is at the end of the post.
Every time I see someone using that gritty mixture, I really wonder just how many nutrients it provides. Regardless, it's been a few years since I've had "string of" anything since I haven't had much luck with them. Now that I've come up with a mix most of my succulents seem to be okay with, I'm going to have to try them again.
@@mickiem6833 I've only been using this mix for about a year so I'm not sure how it will do long-term. For succulents: 2 parts potting mix, 1 part perlite, 1 part all-purpose sand. The potting mixes I've used so far are Sta-Green and Miracle-Gro. I'm sure there are better options. For cactus and more water-sensitive succulents, I'm considering reducing the potting mix and increasing the perlite or adding grit similar to what's shown on this video. There really doesn't seem to be a consensus.
@@dyrcosis Yes, I think as long as the needs of the plant are met, most will grow. I use the gritty mix but am always looking for new ideas. Thank you! I use 1 part worm castings, 1 part fir bark, 2 parts pumice, 2 parts pine fines, and a handful of azomite. So far so good! Very good and super cheap to buy ingredients in bulk.
When you say grit, what exactly are you using for geti? Are you using clay particles, like plain cat litter or oil dri or chicken grit? I keep trying to find a good mix to use since I am new to succulents and some terms escape me as to what they really are.
@@sheribethard8484 I've been growing cactus and succulents (as a hobby) for well over 25 years and I'm still learning how to grow them! There's a link to the gritty soil mixture she uses in the details. Based on the description, it includes pine coir and a couple different types of fired clay made for use with succulents and bonsai. It helps with drainage.
@@Epicuriosity5 I think the key is to have well draining soil, so probably succulent/cactus soil. Also, you'll probably want to avoid getting water on the stems but it may be fine w/ the well draining soil.
Thank you! I think the succulent soil I’m using is well draining. The top of the soil is completely covered by the plant so it’s hard to access the soil to water without lifting up the strings from all directions. It’s a fairly young plant so I worry about pulling roots out by accident but if getting the leaves wet during watering with a well draining soil is ok then it’s all good!
Cassidy this succulent is one I can't grow. It's so frustrating!! I've tried a couple times to grow them and failed miserably. What's the secret? I see light no light. Water no water. Also, this is a magnet for mealy bugs. Please do an update on this as you go along. Include string of bananas in the frustration category too. I hear you on soil. Will make those changes. But I'm scared to try again. My string of Tears and Pearl's Hearts are fine. Its Bananas and Dolphins that give me fits. I went back and rewatched last years string of dolphins video that you did. I'm definitely not over watering any of my succulents. I did have my dolphins under grow lights indoors. Last thing I'll say is one of my dolphins came from Mtn Crest Gardens. The other 2 were from a private IG seller.
Thanks for your feedback :) The string of pearls is going to need plenty of light. If you aren't able to get enough it may be a good idea to use a grow light as well. It has normal watering needs, just make sure you aren't giving it too much causing the dolphins to become mushy or turn a darker color. The soak and dry method works great.
I wish this video was made a month ago. I bought string of pearls, string of dolphins and string of hearts at Trader Joe's. Dolphins and Pearls died a week after. String of hearts is thriving.
When I propagate or plant any type of string of succulent I usually put all the ends together into a coffee filter sack, so to speak, tie it off loosely with a thin thin thread and plop it right into the middle of the pot. as the roots grow bigger and stronger the thread breaks and gives the plant plenty of room and the middle of the pot is so Lush and full. It also gives the plant an opportunity to root all the way to the edge of the pot along the stem. You know when you buy a tree from a nursery sometimes they come in those root sacks? It's kind of something like that. It seems to work for me rather than just sticking individual stems into the soil, I have a much better outcome that way. ❤️
Thanks for sharing that tip, makes complete sense :) Glad its working for you!
I'm so happy your trying to save this little guy. Thanks for sharing such great information with us💕 These string of dolphins are too cute!
What a "make-over"! That was a great demonstration and I learned even more about both the "String of Dolphins" and using the Coconut Coir. Thank you!!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Funny...was just getting ready to repot the very same one from TJ's, same problem. This was perfect timing! Thank you!
good re-potting info. keep them coming, Thank you
You are very welcome :) Glad it helped!
This was really helpful, I was given a bunch of String Of cuttings and have been unsure how densely to plant them. Thank you!
You are very welcome!
Excellent repotting, very useful info 😸🌿 Thanks for sharing!
I'm in the northeast, and cannot keep this plant alive no matter what I do even using Bonsai Jack/coconut coir. I used the soak-and-dry method and watered weekly and then bi-weekly, and the dolphins still flattened. Thought that they weren't getting enough light, so I put them under grow lights. The dolphins flattened. *sigh* It can drop to 55 degrees indoors during the winter, so that may be the issue. Thank you so much for teaching us all these techniques!
The temperature could definitely be affecting their growth. Are you able to put them in a warmer spot? You can also try curling the "dolphins" on top of the pot until they grow longer and stronger.
I got a string of fish hooks yesterday. I had actually ordered for string of dolphins, but they sent me the former one. Lol, I want this dolphins 😖
Hi everybody! And Cassidy!
I recently purchased a really wonderful String of Dolphins from a local nursery - super full on top and already has about 18” of growth (some strands a little longer). I bought a grow light for her but, even with 6hrs under the grow light (about 18-24 inches away), many of the strands have begun curling upwards towards the light.
I know that stretching/leaning/reaching is a sign that the plant needs more light, and have confirmed that this *is* a defense mechanism that this plant utilizes. However, I’ve also read that string of dolphins is happiest with no more than 6hrs of direct light.
Since starting the grow light, even in just the 5 days of using it, I’ve noticed a huge difference in the top of the plant; the stems seem to be stronger and not as earth bound /flat.
I’m guessing that the leaves at the end of the long strands are just much further away than the top of the plant and that is why they’re reaching? Would they still reach if the base of the plant is getting enough light?
I’m most concerned about burning my plant/over sunning it at its base - the grow light is only on its medium setting - but I want to make it happy!
What do you all think? Increase the length of time of light? Increase intensity of the light? Move sunlamp closer to the base?
Thank you in advance!!!
- an overly concerned helicopter first time plant mom :)
It sounds like your plants are in great hands! You can gradually expose them to longer lengths of light, being careful as you said to not burn your plants. You may try to coil the "strings" on top of the soil to give them more light until they recover a bit more.
I've also had my string of dolphins since Sept 2019. It was lush and green at first, and now its pale and spindly. Basically all the little dolphins dried up and all I'm left with are the pale stems. If Cassidy can address this, that would be great!
It sounds like it isn't getting enough sunlight and underwatered as well.
Thank you for sharing love your videos !!❤
Very helpful
Very helpful video. Thank you!
Do you do anything with the roots of the original plant ~ such as clean up old soil and repot, or are they useless at this point?
The roots were in pretty sad shape at that point and usually wouldn't be worth using for anything else.
Great video! Love watching your channel😉 The grocery store plants always need saving in my opinion, most of the time lol. You have so many new plants and that's why I love succulents so much! They're irresistibly beautiful and always seem to surprise me with what they can come back from.
I just realized I watched this same video 7 months ago.. it was just as good this time, as it was last and so informative as always. Thank you for your time and knowledge. I really appreciate you sharing all you do with us🦋
You are very welcome! Glad the videos have been helpful for you then and now 🙂
Mine are growing very thin, and the dolphins are flat, like maybe they’re not closing up? Any advice?
If you feel the dolphins and they aren't very plump and shriveling, this is probably due to underwatering.
I"ve had a string of dolphins for about a year now, and it was nice and dark green when I first got it, but now it's quite a bit paler in color. Is it getting too much light? I have it in a south facing window.
It is actually more likely not getting enough sunlight. Usually the more sunlight a succulent gets the more color it will have.
Do you still have this plant? Sure would like to see it now, a year later.
That would be a fun video idea! We'll keep that in mind :)
So, how long since you transplanted them before they became that in the lush pot? Thank you too for sharing this. I am going to transplant three very tiny pots of dolphins I got from the store. They have short branches, should I plant them the way you did or just move them the way they are except to a bigger pot in succulent mix soil?
It can take a few months or longer, depending on your growing environment. You can copy our planting style! Be sure to plant in a gritty soil mix 😊
What did you fill the pot with before you added the coconut coir?
Bonsai Jack's Gritty Succulent Soil:
succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-mainsoil
I will try it next yo.e cause i have killed 3 string of pearls
I have a single stran of string of bananas that is getting to long for the small pot its in .whats the best pot to repot it in . also does it need to be hanged
String of Bananas will continue to spread out further. It lends itself well to growing down out of a hanging basket. The size of the pot won't matter, just whatever you like best :)
@@Succulentsandsunshine thank you
What is the makeup of your gritty mix. Great video
I think she uses Bonsai Jacks mix. It’s really good stuff. It drains very fast, and my succulents seem to love it.
@@melissacater7443 good to know. I’ve never seen or heard of it. I will check my local stores. Thanks for the info
We use Bonsai Jacks mix. You can find it here and learn more about it.
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www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-jacksoil
Do you recommend the same method of gritty soil on the bottom and coconut coir on top, for leaf propagation?
Yes you can even just use coconut coir and then once it's large enough to repot place it in the gritty mix and coconut coir as shown in this video.
th-cam.com/video/UFg26D69hD0/w-d-xo.html
What's on the bottom, under the coconut coir? Please and thanks 😊
It is the gritty mix from bonsai jack🙂 You can find it here:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-jacksoil
Hi do you have an update on this plant?
Thanks for the video suggestion, we will definitely consider an update video :)
what's the stuff you used below the coconut?
Its the gritty mix from bonsai jack you can find it here:
#ad
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-jack
How do you know how tall a pot should be for roots?
this post can help with choosing the right size of pot for your succulent:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-potterypost
The part about size is at the end of the post.
Does this method work with more “leafy” strings, like string of hearts?
You can learn how to care for your Ceropegia woodii variegata "String of Hearts" here:
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-hearts
Every time I see someone using that gritty mixture, I really wonder just how many nutrients it provides. Regardless, it's been a few years since I've had "string of" anything since I haven't had much luck with them. Now that I've come up with a mix most of my succulents seem to be okay with, I'm going to have to try them again.
@dyrcosis will you share your mix recipe?
@@mickiem6833 I've only been using this mix for about a year so I'm not sure how it will do long-term.
For succulents: 2 parts potting mix, 1 part perlite, 1 part all-purpose sand.
The potting mixes I've used so far are Sta-Green and Miracle-Gro. I'm sure there are better options. For cactus and more water-sensitive succulents, I'm considering reducing the potting mix and increasing the perlite or adding grit similar to what's shown on this video. There really doesn't seem to be a consensus.
@@dyrcosis Yes, I think as long as the needs of the plant are met, most will grow. I use the gritty mix but am always looking for new ideas. Thank you! I use 1 part worm castings, 1 part fir bark, 2 parts pumice, 2 parts pine fines, and a handful of azomite. So far so good! Very good and super cheap to buy ingredients in bulk.
When you say grit, what exactly are you using for geti? Are you using clay particles, like plain cat litter or oil dri or chicken grit? I keep trying to find a good mix to use since I am new to succulents and some terms escape me as to what they really are.
@@sheribethard8484 I've been growing cactus and succulents (as a hobby) for well over 25 years and I'm still learning how to grow them! There's a link to the gritty soil mixture she uses in the details. Based on the description, it includes pine coir and a couple different types of fired clay made for use with succulents and bonsai. It helps with drainage.
Same thing happened to me! Thanks for the tip! How did you water them? Bottom up or did you just pour water on the top of the soil?
pouring water on top of the soil :)
So it’s okay to water overtop the dolphins and leave them wet?
@@Epicuriosity5 I think the key is to have well draining soil, so probably succulent/cactus soil. Also, you'll probably want to avoid getting water on the stems but it may be fine w/ the well draining soil.
Thank you! I think the succulent soil I’m using is well draining. The top of the soil is completely covered by the plant so it’s hard to access the soil to water without lifting up the strings from all directions. It’s a fairly young plant so I worry about pulling roots out by accident but if getting the leaves wet during watering with a well draining soil is ok then it’s all good!
What Gridy mix are you using
We use a gritty mix from bonsai jack, you can find it here🙂
www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-jacksoil
Cassidy this succulent is one I can't grow. It's so frustrating!! I've tried a couple times to grow them and failed miserably. What's the secret? I see light no light. Water no water. Also, this is a magnet for mealy bugs. Please do an update on this as you go along. Include string of bananas in the frustration category too. I hear you on soil. Will make those changes. But I'm scared to try again.
My string of Tears and Pearl's Hearts are fine. Its Bananas and Dolphins that give me fits.
I went back and rewatched last years string of dolphins video that you did. I'm definitely not over watering any of my succulents. I did have my dolphins under grow lights indoors. Last thing I'll say is one of my dolphins came from Mtn Crest Gardens. The other 2 were from a private IG seller.
Thanks for your feedback :) The string of pearls is going to need plenty of light. If you aren't able to get enough it may be a good idea to use a grow light as well. It has normal watering needs, just make sure you aren't giving it too much causing the dolphins to become mushy or turn a darker color. The soak and dry method works great.
Update video?!
Thanks for the suggestion!🙂
I wish this video was made a month ago. I bought string of pearls, string of dolphins and string of hearts at Trader Joe's. Dolphins and Pearls died a week after. String of hearts is thriving.
So sorry to hear it, hopefully it helps for your future string of dolphins :)