String of Pearls vs String of Dolphins
Same care; dolphins is slower and only forms its curved fins in bright light, where pearls grows faster and rounder. Both are toxic to pets.
String of Pearls is a fast grower and gives you cuttings or a full pot sooner. String of Dolphins is moderate, which means less pruning and repotting but a longer wait. String of Pearls originates in South Africa; String of Dolphins in Hybrid. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated medium, both want bright indirect light, both take very low watering, both are happy in the same humidity and both stay small.
Choose
String of Pearls if…
- ✓you want visible growth and free cuttings quickly
- ✓the look is what you are after: Unique trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Stunning in hanging baskets.
Choose
String of Dolphins if…
- ✓you would rather not prune and repot often
- ✓the look is what you are after: Trailing succulent with dolphin-shaped leaves. Very cute.
String of Pearls vs String of Dolphins: side by side
| Attribute |
String of Pearls
|
String of Dolphins
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Succulent | Succulent |
| Difficulty | medium | medium |
| Light | ●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●○○○○ 1/5 Very low |
●○○○○ 1/5 Very low |
| Humidity | ●○○○○ 1/5 Low |
●○○○○ 1/5 Low |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | South Africa | Hybrid |
Key differences between String of Pearls and String of Dolphins
String of Pearls fills out faster
String of Pearls is a fast grower and gives you cuttings or a full pot sooner. String of Dolphins is moderate, which means less pruning and repotting but a longer wait.
They come from different habitats
String of Pearls originates in South Africa; String of Dolphins in Hybrid. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell String of Pearls and String of Dolphins apart
Dolphins is a hybrid with curved leaves that look like leaping fins. It is slower and fussier than pearls about light, and the dolphin shape only forms properly in bright conditions -- in low light it grows out flat and plain.
Care at a glance
String of Pearls
Senecio Rowleyanus
Unique trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Stunning in hanging baskets.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water sparingly, well-draining soil.
Full String of Pearls care guide →
String of Dolphins
Senecio Peregrinus, Dolphin Plant
Trailing succulent with dolphin-shaped leaves. Very cute.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water sparingly, well-draining soil.
Full String of Dolphins care guide →String of Pearls vs String of Dolphins: common questions
What is the difference between String of Pearls and String of Dolphins? +
Dolphins is a hybrid with curved leaves that look like leaping fins. It is slower and fussier than pearls about light, and the dolphin shape only forms properly in bright conditions -- in low light it grows out flat and plain. On care, string of Pearls is a fast grower and gives you cuttings or a full pot sooner. String of Dolphins is moderate, which means less pruning and repotting but a longer wait.
Which is easier to care for, String of Pearls or String of Dolphins? +
Neither - both are rated medium. The practical difference is string of pearls fills out faster.
Is String of Pearls or String of Dolphins safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. String of Pearls is toxic to cats and dogs and String of Dolphins is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, String of Pearls or String of Dolphins? +
They are the same. Both score 4/5 for light, meaning beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, String of Pearls or String of Dolphins? +
Neither - both score 1/5. For each one, water every 2-3 weeks, once the pot is bone dry.
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