Why Is My String Of Dolphins Growing Flat Leaves?

The sting of dolphins is a tropical succulent with squishy leaves that are shaped like tiny diving dolphins. These uniquely shaped pods make the string of dolphins an interesting addition to every houseplant collection.

However, once in a while, you may see that the leaves of your plant are starting to lose the soft, squishy shape and turning flat. While sometimes, the leaves may be in their nascent stage and hence haven’t developed the squishiness, in other cases, the problem may be much more serious.

So, if your string of dolphins is growing flat leaves for a long period, it means that it undergoing severe stress. Stress in the plant may be due to several factors, and if left untreated, it may severely damage your plant.

Why is my string of dolphins growing flat leaves?

So, let us explore the factors which may cause your sting of dolphins to grow flat leaves-

Lack of Sunlight
Inadequate Water
Improper Nutrition

Lack of Sunlight

One of the major reasons for the flat leaves of your string of dolphins is the lack of sufficient sunlight. It generally happens if the plant is grown in an area of low light or shade for a long duration. The leaves start to flatten out as a survival strategy to allow it to capture more light and carry out the required essential functions.

Solution

Check if your plant is growing in an area of excess shade and shift it to a location where it receives at least six hours of adequate sunlight. If your plant is placed indoors, shift to beside the south-facing window. It will provide the plant with the required light to grow back to health.

Inadequate Water

Another factor that may cause flat leaves is improper watering. While lack of water may dehydrate the plant, an abundance of water may drown the plant and render it unable to absorb the required nutrition. It can cause the leaves to start to flatten.

Solution

The best way to water the plant is to provide enough water till it starts to drip out of the drainage holes. Watering it weekly during summers and monthly during summers is sufficient to keep the plant adequately hydrated.

Improper Nutrition

The string of dolphins may also start to produce flat leaves due to the lack of proper nutrition. It can occur due to various reasons such as root rot, improper soil, and overwatering. The lack of nutrition may cause the leaves of the plant to lose their squishiness and turn flat.

Solution

If your see that your plant is not getting proper nutrition, spray the soil with proper fertilizer and ensure that it is watered adequately. Choosing the right pot with proper drainage is very important to allow the proper growth of the plant. Also, keep checking for signs of rotting and if spotted, take immediate measures and spray it with an effective fungicide. These steps can help heal your string of dolphins back to health.

Thus, these are the factors that may lead to your string of dolphins growing flat leaves.