Can you grow string of dolphins in water? You can root string of dolphins in water, but it is the riskier route. Iowa State Extension says most succulents do not root well in a glass of water, and the RHS says string-of-beads relatives root easily in moist, gritty compost in about a month. If you try string of dolphins in water, callus the cut, keep leaves dry and pot it up soon after roots form.
Key takeaway: String of dolphins is a trailing succulent with curved, dolphin-shaped leaves. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) groups it with string of beads, string of tears and string of bananas. Rooting string of dolphins in water is a popular experiment, but these plants come from arid regions of South Africa and rot easily, so the method needs care. Here is what the RHS and Iowa State University Extension recommend.
| Factor | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting length | About 4 in (10 cm), or 3–6 in (8–15 cm) for succulents | RHS; Iowa State |
| Lower leaves | Remove from the bottom half of the stem | Iowa State |
| Callus time | Let the cut end dry for several days | Iowa State |
| Rooting time in compost | About a month | RHS |
| Temperature | 50–75°F (10–25°C); avoid below 50°F (10°C) | RHS |
| Main risk | Overwatering and damp roots cause stem rot | RHS |
Does String of Dolphins in Water Actually Root?
Sometimes, but water is not the method experts recommend. Iowa State Extension says most succulents do not root well in a glass of water and recommends a well-drained medium such as cactus potting soil or perlite instead. The RHS says string-of-beads relatives root easily from stem cuttings in moist cuttings compost. Treat string of dolphins in water as an experiment, with a backup cutting in grit.
Compare both routes in our water propagation vs soil propagation guide.
How Do You Take a Cutting for String of Dolphins in Water?
Take a healthy trailing tip. The RHS suggests a 4 in (10 cm) length of healthy stem, and Iowa State recommends 3 to 6 inches (8–15 cm) for succulent stem cuttings, removing the leaves from the lower half. Iowa State adds that early spring through summer is the best time to propagate, and only from healthy, vigorously growing plants.
- Cut a 4–6 in (10–15 cm) healthy stem with clean scissors.
- Strip the leaves from the lower half to expose bare nodes.
- Wear gloves; the RHS says the sap can irritate skin.
- Lay the cutting on a dry plate to callus.
Should You Callus String of Dolphins Before Water?
Yes. Iowa State Extension says to let a succulent cutting’s cut end dry and callus over for several days, because a callused propagule is less likely to rot before it roots. That matters even more for string of dolphins in water, since the stem sits wet the whole time. Set the cutting on a tray or suspend it in an empty cup until the end looks sealed.
How Do You Set Up String of Dolphins in Water?
Keep only the bare stem wet. Rest the callused cutting so the leafless nodes touch clean water and every leaf stays above the rim; a narrow jar or a propagation station holds the trailing stem in place. The RHS says these plants like bright light, so use a bright spot out of harsh midday sun, which can scorch leaves.
- Container: narrow-necked glass so leaves stay dry.
- Water level: nodes only; top up as it evaporates.
- Fresh water: change it whenever it turns cloudy.
- Light: an east- or west-facing window, per the RHS.
Our string of pearls in water guide covers the same setup for its close cousin.
How Long Does String of Dolphins in Water Take to Root?
Expect weeks, not days. The RHS says string-of-beads cuttings root easily in about a month in compost, and Iowa State notes that most succulents root quickly without rooting hormone. Water timing varies more. Check string of dolphins in water weekly: firm, green stems with white root tips are a good sign, while soft, dark or mushy stems mean rot.
See our how long does water propagation take guide for typical timelines.
Why Does String of Dolphins in Water Rot?
Too much water, too long. The RHS says these plants originally come from arid habitats and store water in their succulent leaves, so constant moisture works against them. Iowa State says callusing reduces rot. Rot in string of dolphins in water usually starts at a submerged leaf or an uncallused cut, so keep leaves dry and replace cloudy water.
When Should You Move String of Dolphins From Water to Soil?
Soon after the first roots appear. Iowa State says that once new roots develop on a succulent cutting, it can be potted in a container and grown on. The RHS recommends free-draining, peat-free cactus compost and a pot with plenty of drainage holes, noting that terracotta draws excess water away from the roots.
- Pot up once several new roots have formed.
- Use cactus compost or multipurpose compost with added grit.
- Water lightly, then let the compost dry out between waterings.
- Never leave the pot standing in water, per the RHS.
Can String of Dolphins Live in Water Long Term?
It is not a good long-term home. The RHS warns that overwatering and excessively damp compost cause stem rotting, and says these plants are easily damaged or killed by overwatering because they store water in succulent leaves. Keeping string of dolphins in water permanently goes against everything the plant is adapted to, so treat water only as a rooting stage.
For succulents grown soilless on purpose, read our succulents hydroponics guide.
How Do You Care for String of Dolphins After Rooting?
Bright light, a dry rest and light feeding. The RHS says the plants like low humidity and 50–75°F (10–25°C), dislike cold drafts below 50°F (10°C), and get straggly with small leaves in too little light. It suggests feeding once a month or less from April to September with half-strength liquid fertilizer, and watering sparingly in winter.
FAQ About String of Dolphins in Water
Can string of dolphins root in water?
It can, but Iowa State says most succulents root poorly in water.
How long should a string of dolphins cutting be?
About 4 in (10 cm), per the RHS.
Should I let the cutting callus first?
Yes, for several days, per Iowa State.
How long until roots form?
About a month in compost, per the RHS.
Is string of dolphins toxic?
The RHS says these plants are toxic and the sap can irritate skin.
Why is my cutting mushy?
It is rotting; restart from a healthy tip.
Sources
- Royal Horticultural Society — String of Beads and Its Relatives
- Royal Horticultural Society — How to Grow String of Beads
- Iowa State University Extension — How to Propagate Succulents
- Iowa State University Extension — Propagating Houseplants
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Dolphinplant by Meganesia (CC BY-SA 4.0); Senecio rowleyanus containers by MeganEHansen (CC BY-SA 2.0); Senecio rowleyanus leaves by Flickr user Forest and Kim Starr (CC BY 2.0)