If your String of Dolphins is looking a bit soggy and sad, you might be dealing with an overwatered String of Dolphins. This common issue can be fixed if you act quickly. These charming succulents, with leaves shaped like leaping dolphins, are particularly sensitive to too much water. Recognizing the signs early is your first step to saving your plant.
The good news is that succulents are resilient. With the right care, you can often nurse an overwatered plant back to full health. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, from spotting the problem to preventing it in the future.
Overwatered String of Dolphins
An overwatered String of Dolphins shows clear distress signals. The leaves, which should be plump and shaped like tiny dolphins, will start to change. Instead of a healthy gray-green color, they may turn yellow or translucent. The biggest telltale sign is that the leaves feel soft, mushy, and may even fall off at the slightest touch.
The stems can also become soft and discolored, often turning brown or black. In severe cases, you might notice a musty or rotten smell coming from the soil. This indicates root rot, which is a serious condition caused by roots sitting in water for too long. They essentially suffocate and decay.
Immediate Steps to Save Your Plant
Time is critical when dealing with overwatering. Follow these steps as soon as you notice the problem.
1. Stop Watering Immediately. This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important step. Do not add any more water to the soil.
2. Remove the Plant from Its Pot. Gently tip the pot and carefully ease the plant out. You want to inspect the roots and soil without causing more damage.
3. Inspect the Roots and Stems. Shake off the old, wet soil. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotten roots are dark brown or black, mushy, and may fall apart. Smell them—a foul odor confirms rot.
4. Prune the Damage. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut away all the rotten roots. Also, remove any mushy, translucent, or dead stems and leaves. Be thorough; any rot left behind can spread.
5. Let it Dry. Place the plant on a paper towel or a mesh screen in a warm, dry spot with good air circulation. Let the roots and base dry out completely for at least 24-48 hours. This callousing process is vital.
Repotting for a Fresh Start
Once your plant is dry, it’s time to give it a new home. Do not reuse the old, soggy soil.
* Choose the Right Pot. Select a pot with excellent drainage holes. Terracotta pots are ideal because they are porous and help wick away extra moisture. The new pot should only be slightly larger than the root ball.
* Use Fresh, Well-Draining Soil. Use a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix. For even better drainage, you can amend it with extra perlite or pumice (a 2:1 ratio of mix to perlite is great).
* Repot Gently. Place some fresh soil in the bottom of the new pot. Position your plant in the center and fill in around the roots with more soil. Do not water it right away.
When to Water After Repotting
This is a common mistake. After repotting a rescued succulent, you must wait. Give your String of Dolphins about a week to settle into its dry soil. This allows any tiny root injuries from pruning to heal and prevents immediate re-rot. After a week, you can give it a thorough but careful watering.
How to Water Correctly Going Forward
Preventing another overwatering incident is all about changing your habits. The “soak and dry” method is the gold standard for succulents.
* Check the Soil. Never water on a schedule. Always check the soil first. Stick your finger about two inches into the pot. If it feels completely dry, it’s time to water.
* Water Thoroughly. When you do water, do it thoroughly. Pour water evenly over the soil until it runs freely out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
* Let it Drain Completely. Empty the saucer or cache pot after watering. Never let the plant sit in a puddle of water.
* Then, Wait. Allow the soil to dry out completely before you even think about watering again. In winter, when the plant is dormant, this may mean watering only once a month or even less.
Ideal Environment for Recovery
Your recovering plant needs the best conditions to focus its energy on growing new roots.
* Bright, Indirect Light. Place it in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A south or east-facing window is perfect. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun at first, as the plant is stressed.
* Good Air Flow. Gentle air circulation helps keep the soil surface dry and prevents fungal issues. A fan on low in the room can help, but don’t point it directly at the plant.
* Warm Temperatures. String of Dolphins prefer temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Keep it away from cold drafts or heating vents.
Propagation: A Backup Plan
If the main plant is too far gone, don’t lose hope. You can often save healthy parts through propagation. Look for any remaining firm, green stems, even if they have no roots.
1. Cut a healthy stem a few inches long.
2. Let the cut end dry and callous for a day or two.
3. Place the cutting on top of dry succulent soil.
4. Mist the soil very lightly every few days only when it is completely dry.
5. In a few weeks, roots should begin to form. Once established, you can treat it as a new plant.
FAQ: Overwatered String of Dolphins
Q: Can a String of Dolphins recover from overwatering?
A: Yes, absolutely. If you catch it early and remove all the rot, the plant has a very good chance of recovery. It will take some time and patience, but new growth will appear.
Q: How do you tell if String of Dolphins is overwatered or underwatered?
A: This is crucial. Overwatered leaves are mushy, translucent, and yellow. They fall off easily. Underwatered leaves are wrinkled, dry, and flat (they lose their dolphin shape). They feel crispy, not mushy.
Q: What does root rot look like on a String of Dolphins?
A: Root rot turns healthy, firm white roots into dark brown or black, slimy strings. They often smell bad and may disintegrate when touched. The stem at the soil line may also turn black and soft.
Q: How often should I water my String of Dolphins?
A: There’s no set schedule. Always water based on soil dryness, not the day of the week. In summer, it might be every 2-3 weeks. In winter, it could be over a month. The finger test is your best guide.
Q: Why are my String of Dolphins leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves are most commonly a sign of overwatering. However, they can sometimes indicate a lack of light or, less often, a need for fertilizer. Always check the soil moisture first to rule out overwatering.
By following these clear steps, you can rescue your overwatered String of Dolphins and help it thrive. Remember, these plants prefer neglect over too much attention, especially when it comes to their water. With well-draining soil, a proper pot, and careful watering, your succulent will reward you with a beautiful, trailing cascade of healthy little dolphins for years to come.