How to Grow and Care for Your Goldfish Plant

Columnea gloriosa is known as the goldfish plant grows in warm regions of Central and South America. People often refer to them as fish because their blossoms look like fish. In spring and summer, the goldfish houseplant produces a large number of reddish-orange flowers that resemble leaping goldfish. When the conditions are ideal, the goldfish hanging plant blooms in red, orange, and yellow tones.

Most varieties have thick, dark green leaves that measure 2 to 3 inches long. High humidity, bright sunshine, acidic soil draining well, and temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit are good growing conditions for goldfish plants. We provide care and growth guidelines below.

Goldfish Plant Attributes

Common Name: Goldfish plant, flying goldfish plant, clog plant,
Botanical Name: Nematanthus gregarious, Columnea
Plant Type: Perennial
Family: Gesneriaceae
Mature Size: 2-3 ft. long, 2 ft. wide
Soil Type: Well-drained
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil pH: Acidic
Flower Color: Red, yellow, orange, pink
Bloom Time: Spring, fall, summer
Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (USDA)
Native Areas: Caribbean, Central America

Tips for Caring for Goldfish Plants

Columnea gloriosa, sometimes known as goldfish plants, is a tropical evergreen native to the rainforests of South and Central America. They derive their unique name from their flowers resembling small goldfish swimming in a pond. These plants thrive for indoor use because of their resilience and gorgeous foliage.

Careful maintenance is necessary for goldfish plants to ensure their health and longevity. With proper care, this unique plant can blossom for many years. Some important considerations are listed below:

Light

Goldfish plants thrive in indirect light, but they prefer intense light. Like many others, these plants thrive when exposed to intense sunlight for several hours daily. It would be excellent if the window looked east. Under grow lights indoors, they perform exceptionally well, particularly during the colder months.

Soil

A succulent mix or any light, fast-draining potting soil could work nicely. Fortified soils are an alternative. Goldfish plants exist in nature as epiphytes or plants that grow on top of other plants. Typically, it prefers to climb trees.

Water

During the summer, water deeply and keep the soil continually moist. Reduce watering during the winter and allow the soil to dry up slightly. This may encourage more robust flowering. Remember that soil should never be completely dry, as it could cause root damage if it is too damp.

Humidity and temperatures

Goldfish houseplants thrive in room temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Mild to moderate humidity is good; a daily mist with room-temperature water will be enough. If you sprinkle cold water on the leaves, they will become injured. Placing a humidifier near the plant can be advantageous in excessively dry conditions.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, use a weak liquid fertilizer that stimulates blooming and contains micronutrients once a week. Another excellent choice is controlled-release fertilizer pellets.

Goldfish Plants Varieties

There are various types of goldfish plants, classified into two genera: Nematanthus and Columnea. Several cultivars include colorful flowers.

Nematanthus’ Tropicana’: The Nematanthus’ Tropicana’ cultivar has striped flowers that are a beautiful combination of red and orange.
Nematanthus’ Black Gold’: This selection has orange-yellow blooms and lustrous crimson foliage.
Nematanthus’ Green Magic’: The flowering Nematanthus’ Green Magic’ boasts bright orange blooms.
Columnea’ Light Prince’: The Columnea’ Light Prince’ cultivar produces bright orange and yellow flowers.
Columnea ‘Chanticleer’: Columnea ‘Chanticleer’ goldfish plant flowers are tubular and yellow, with crimson tips.
Columnea’ Aladdin’s Lamp’: The columbine variety known as “Aladdin’s Lamp” has crimson flowers and dark green foliage.

Pruning goldfish plants

Pruning a goldfish plant allows it to concentrate its resources on flowering more energetically and efficiently. Pruning the stems closer to one foot tall is a good strategy for keeping plants from becoming leggy—long and spindly with few leaves—even if vegetation grown outside can reach three feet.

To avoid accidentally cutting off flowers, trim early spring before the growing season begins. Pruning sick, aged, or broken roots will help the plant grow and establish a stronger system.

Goldfish Plant Propagation

Rooting stem cuttings from goldfish plants is a simple technique in water and soil. Before you begin, clean and disinfect your cutting utensils (knife, scissors, shears). Stem cuttings should measure three to five inches in length. Choose non-woody, supple stems without flower buds.

Root Cuttings of Goldfish Plants in Soil:

Prepare your pots with perlite and coir to ensure they drain properly and are fluffy. If the drainage is adequate, any container will do.
Remove the lower half of the leaves from the stem, taking care not to damage the node that retains the leaf. If desired, you can administer rooting hormone to the stems.
After poking holes with a pencil, insert the cuttings into the planting medium. Pack the soil tightly around the stems and leaves.
Thoroughly moisten the soil, then cover it with a plastic bag or humidity crown. Avoid allowing the leaves to contact the plastic.

Root Cuttings of Goldfish Plants in Water:

Fill a clean vase or container with a few inches of water. After adding chlorine to your tap water, wait 24 hours before drinking it.
Remove any leaves that may float in the water.
Immerse them in water, then place the container in a well-lit indirect light source.
Water the plants every three or four days. When the cuttings’ new roots grow to an inch long, transfer them to separate containers of moist potting mix.

Potting And Repotting Goldfish Plants

Due to their root-bound nature, goldfish plants require repotting every two to three years. These plants’ roots become twisted and tightly woven. Growing these plants in small containers will result in more blossoms. Plant the goldfish in a container an inch wider than its current root system and fill it with African violet potting soil or a peat moss blend. Trim the plant’s roots gently while transferring them to encourage a robust root system and prevent lanky growth.

Benefits of Growing Goldfish Plants.

There are several reasons to cultivate your own goldfish plant.

People with limited time will appreciate this plant’s low maintenance requirements.
With a goldfish plant nearby, it’s as if breathing is second nature. It elegantly addresses typical pollutants while remaining unseen in the quest for cleaner indoor air.
Taking care of this plant is similar to briefly pausing to meditate.
The small but robust goldfish plant thrives in cramped quarters or overcrowded workspaces.
With its long blooming period, this plant is more than simply a one-time wonder; it will add floral beauty to your living environment daily.
The goldfish plant is simple to arrange in any location, whether a rustic terrarium or a chic hanging basket.
With its spilling and trailing growth habits, this plant will add a dramatic dimension to your indoor jungle.
Aside from its practical applications, the goldfish plant has symbolic significance. This plant is more than just a beautiful sight; it represents positive fortune and success.

FAQs

Q. How do you take care of a goldfish plant?

If you have a particular goldfish plant, ensure it gets adequate water, light (direct but strong), and humidity (just right, not too much). These plants also thrive in light, fertile soil.

Q. Do goldfish plants like sun or shade?

Goldfish Plants prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight.

Q. Is a goldfish plant indoors or outdoors?

Goldfish plants are grown indoors but can be placed outdoors in suitable climates.

Final Thought

The goldfish plant is a fantastic houseplant since it requires little maintenance, and its blossoms resemble goldfish. This plant is attractive, tough, and excellent for the environment, so it makes no difference whether you have a lot or a little agricultural expertise. Enjoy a goldfish plant, and your home will become a green oasis.