What Are The Bugs on My String of Dolphins? 🐬

Senecio 'Hippogriff'

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 17, 20242 min read

Protect your beloved String of Dolphins 🐬 from damaging pests with expert tips for a thriving plant! 🌿

String of dolphins
  1. Spider mites to whiteflies, common pests on String of Dolphins are treatable.
  2. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective remedies for most pests.
  3. Prevent infestations with proper watering, fertilization, and early detection.

Common Bugs Affecting String of Dolphins

πŸ•·οΈ Spider Mites

Tiny web-spinners wreak havoc on your String of Dolphins, sucking the life out of its fleshy leaves. Spot them by their signature webbing, leaf stippling, or as tiny moving dots. Fight back with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil, and show them who's boss.

πŸ›‘οΈ Scale

These small, oval-shaped freeloaders cling to stems and leaves, sucking sap and not paying rent. If you spot these immobile insects, it's eviction time: scrape them off and follow up with neem oil or a dab of rubbing alcohol.

🦟 Fungus Gnats / Fruit Flies

Annoying little dark flies that love to hover around soil, or worse, their larvae cozying up in it. Overwatering is their welcome mat. Roll it up by letting the soil dry, deploying sticky traps, or sending in the beneficial nematodes cavalry.

πŸ› Mealybugs

Cottony white masses on your plant are a dead giveaway. These pests love to hunker down in leaf axils. Swab them with isopropyl alcohol, show them the might of neem oil, or spray them down with insecticidal soap. Take no prisoners.

πŸ¦‹ Whiteflies

Small, white, and moth-like, these pests take flight when disturbed, like tiny ghosts haunting your plant. Lay out yellow sticky traps, mist with neem oil, or use insecticidal soap to exorcise these spirits.

🐜 Aphids

These tiny, soft-bodied bugs throw garden parties on new growth and leaf undersides. Crash their party with a strong water spray, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Make sure they get the message.

πŸ’‘ Integrated Pest Management

Don't just fight bugs, outsmart them with integrated pest management. Use beneficial insects as your allies in this garden warfare, and maintain the balance of power.

🚨 Potential Damage Caused by Pests

Unchecked, these pests can turn your String of Dolphins into a string of woes. They can stunt growth, mangle appearance, and compromise plant health. Stay vigilant.

πŸ›‘οΈ General Preventive Measures and Early Detection

Keep it clean and check regularly to catch party crashers early. Water wisely, fertilize with care, and remember: the best offense is a good defense.

Hanging String of Dolphins plant with green leaves, background includes a metallic chest and wires.
String of Dolphins plant in a white hanging pot with green leaves.
Hanging String of Dolphins plant in a living room setting.

Keep your String of Dolphins pest-free πŸ›‘οΈ with Greg's environmental monitoring that alerts you to conditions that invite critters, ensuring your plant's health and happiness.


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You Might Also Want to Know...

What causes bugs on String of Dolphins plants?

The bugs on your String of Dolphins are mealybugs.

How can I eliminate mealybugs on my plants?

You can eliminate mealybugs by soaking the affected plant in water to drown them.

Can mealybugs harm String of Hearts plants?

Yes, mealybugs can cause damage to your String of Hearts plant if not treated.

How long does it take for mealybugs to die when soaked in water?

Mealybugs will drown and die after being soaked in water for at least 24 hours.

Can mealybugs spread to other plants in my house?

Yes, mealybugs can spread to other plants in your house if not properly controlled.

What should I do if I find mealybugs on my plants?

You should take immediate action to remove and treat the affected plants to prevent further infestation.

How can I prevent mealybug infestations on my plants?

Regularly inspect your plants for signs of mealybugs and maintain good plant hygiene by keeping them clean and free from debris.

Can mealybugs cause damage to the leaves of my plants?

Yes, mealybugs can cause damage to the leaves of plants, leading to discoloration and wilting.

Are mealybugs attracted to water?

Yes, mealybugs are attracted to water, which is why soaking the affected plants can help eliminate them.

Can I propagate String of Hearts plants to create new plants?

Yes, you can propagate your String of Hearts plant by cutting the stems and planting them in water or soil.