× Bacurio delphinatifolius

× Bacurio delphinatifolius

× Bacurio delphinatifolius, widely known as String of Dolphins or Senecio × peregrinus, is a trailing succulent hybrid with fleshy, curved leaves arranged along slender stems. Each leaf has an arched profile with small side lobes, giving mature stems their familiar dolphin-like rhythm as they lengthen over the edge of a pot.

This plant grows as a hanging or trailing succulent with compact young stems that gradually extend into loose chains. The leaves and stems store water, so its strongest indoor growth comes from bright light, airy mineral drainage and watering with clear dry intervals.

Trailing traits in × Bacurio delphinatifolius

• Accepted intergeneric hybrid in Asteraceae
• Slender trailing stems with curved, dolphin-shaped succulent leaves
• Compact young growth that lengthens into hanging chains
• Small white flower heads may appear on mature, well-lit plants
• Best grown with bright light, fast drainage and measured watering

Hybrid background and pot growth

The accepted name is × Bacurio delphinatifolius Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo, with the hybrid formula Baculellum articulatum × Curio rowleyanus. Older names and trade names include Kleinia × peregrina, Senecio × peregrinus and Curio × peregrinus.

Both parent species are linked to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, a background that matches the plant’s preference for bright conditions, good airflow and a substrate that dries quickly after watering. In cultivation, × Bacurio delphinatifolius is usually grown in small hanging pots, shelf planters or elevated containers where the stems can trail freely.

Care for × Bacurio delphinatifolius as a hanging succulent

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light with gentle direct sun in the morning or late afternoon. Very harsh midday sun behind glass can scorch the fleshy leaves.
• Watering: Water thoroughly once the substrate has dried well through the pot. The leaves should remain plump, but the roots need clear dry intervals.
• Substrate: Use a gritty succulent mix with mineral additions such as pumice, perlite or lava. Fine, moisture-retentive mixes increase the risk of stem and root rot.
• Pot choice: Choose a pot with drainage holes and a modest volume around the root system. A slightly snug pot helps the root zone dry at a suitable pace.
• Temperature: Keep warm and frost-free, ideally around 18–26 °C during active growth. Protect from cold windowsills in winter.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity is suitable. Good airflow around the hanging stems helps prevent damp pockets inside dense growth.
• Feeding: Feed lightly in spring and summer with a diluted succulent or balanced houseplant fertiliser. Pause feeding during slower winter growth.
• Pruning: Trim long or bare stems to encourage branching near the pot. Use healthy cut pieces for propagation.
• Repotting: Repot when the mix has compacted or roots fill the pot. Handle the stems gently because the leaves can detach from rough movement.
• Propagation: Root stem cuttings by letting the cut end dry briefly, then placing the stem on or slightly into a lightly moist mineral mix.

Common issues with × Bacurio delphinatifolius

• Shrivelled leaves: Check both the watering interval and root condition. Dry roots need a thorough soak; damaged roots need trimming and a fresh, airy mix.
• Mushy stems near the pot: Usually caused by wet substrate around the crown. Remove affected stems and let the mix dry before adjusting watering.
• Flattened or stretched growth: Often linked to insufficient light. Move gradually into brighter conditions so new leaves develop denser form.
• Leaf drop during handling: Common when stems are pulled, twisted or shipped tightly. Keep detached healthy sections for propagation if nodes are present.
• Mealybugs in stem joints: Inspect the base of leaves and the crown. Treat early and repeat checks because pests hide inside trailing growth.

Fuller growth and flowering notes

× Bacurio delphinatifolius can look fuller after regular light pruning. Cutting back a few long stems encourages branching closer to the crown, while rooted cuttings can be placed back into the same pot to build a denser plant.

Flowering is possible on mature, well-lit plants, with small white composite flower heads. Indoor flowering varies with light, plant maturity and seasonal rhythm, so the main ornamental value remains the trailing leaf form.

Pet and handling safety

Place × Bacurio delphinatifolius out of reach of pets and children, and prevent chewing or ingestion. Hanging stems can become accessible as they lengthen, so check placement as the plant grows. Wear gloves if sap contact irritates your skin.

Name meaning and accepted hybrid status

× Bacurio delphinatifolius belongs to Asteraceae. The multiplication sign marks its hybrid status. The nothogenus name Bacurio reflects its parentage between Baculellum and Curio. The epithet delphinatifolius refers to the dolphin-like leaves, from Latinised elements linked to dolphin and leaf.

Let × Bacurio delphinatifolius trail from a shelf or hanging pot so the curved dolphin-like foliage stays visible.