Goldfish Plant

Goldfish Plant Care

Columnea nematanthus

What is the plant

Originated from Central and South America, the Goldfish Plant is beloved for its unusual flowers resembling baskets.

In nature, the Goldfish Plant grows as an epiphyte, but it can also be grown indoors.
It got its name from the specific flower shape that looks just like small fish.
Its vining stems can reach up to 2-3 inches (5,8-7.6 cm) long, and branches grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long.

This tropical plant is fast-growing if all conditions for care are met and can start blooming in 6 to 10 weeks after planting and flower all year long.

humidity

Normal

lighting

Full Sun

temperature

18°C - 27°C

hardiness zone

10b - 11b

difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In summer (the growth season), try to keep the plant’s soil continuously wet. Reduce watering in winter but never let the soil overdry. Use tepid water during any season.
Pruning
Pruning every spring is essential to keep a plant healthy and stimulate flowering. Remove old and extra branches and sprouts with a pruner. Don’t cut too much in a time and focus only on excess and flowerless outgrowth.
Fertilizer
During active growth season (spring-summer), one should use the high-phosphorus fertilizer diluted by half with water (weekly). Also, micronutrients used as fertilizer cause intensified flowering.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Bright but indirect light is perfect for this plant. The east-facing windows are the best places to grow the Goldfish Plant.
Soil
Soil mixes like African violet potting mix are plausible for the Goldfish Plant.
Propagation
This plant is propagated with stem cutting and placed into moist soil in spring or summer. Take only the sprouts without flowers on them. The best temperature to develop would be 70°F (21°C). Use a heat mat or rooting hormone powder to enhance and consolidate the growth.

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Temperature
The temperature 65°-80°F (18-27°C) is perfect for the Golden Fish plant to grow year-round. As a tropical plant, it can’t stand cold weather or air drafts. Mid or moderate humidity is natural for this plant.
Container
Choose a container slightly bigger than the root system and repot the plant every two to three years. Some pruning of the roots causes more active growth. Hanging baskets add some chic to a plant if placed indoors.
Fun fact
Another scientific name for the Goldfish Plant is Nematanthus gregarious, which comes from the Ancient Greek for the “flower thread.”