What's eating my string of dolphins?

String of dolphins faces the same indoor pest pressures as other trailing Senecio succulents — mealybugs are the primary threat, hiding between the distinctive dolphin-shaped leaves. Aphids and spider mites can follow in warm, dry indoor conditions. Inspect closely after bringing outdoors in summer and treat with neem oil at first sign.

White fluffy deposits tucked between leaf bumps and at stem nodes; leaves yellow and drop prematurely Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray diluted neem oil over the whole plant weekly until resolved

Soft green or black insects clustered on new growth; sticky honeydew on leaves below Rinse with a gentle water spray; apply insecticidal soap every few days until the colony is gone

Fine webbing and pale stippling on leaf surfaces, most visible in low-humidity rooms Raise humidity around the plant; treat with neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days for 3 weeks