Columnea is a genus of ca. 200 species of epiphytic herbs and shrubs in the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae, native to tropical America and the Caribbean. The tubular or oddly shaped flowers are usually large and brightly colored – usually red, yellow, or orange – sometimes resembling a fish in shape. A common name is flying goldfish plants (see also the related Nematanthus) due to the unusual flower shape. Grow as epiphytic plants in the wild and require bright light, good air circulation, and a well-drained growing medium that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. They are very tolerant of underpotting and seem to bloom best when potbound. Most are tropical plants and are easy to grow under indoor or greenhouse conditions but some species come from high altitudes and require cooler temperatures to grow well or bloom. Many of the species are seasonal bloomers, but hybrids and cultivars can be more or less continuously blooming.
Columnea Microphylla Care
Columnea
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Humidity
High
Lighting
Part Sun
Temperature
16°C - 18°C
Hardiness zone
max 11b
Difficulty
Easy
Hibernation
Cold period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
During the summer, water generously and keep the soil continuously moist. In the winter, cut back on the water and allow the soil to become slightly drier. This seems to encourage better blooming. Be aware that the soil should never dry completely out.
Pruning
Trees that produce ornamental fruits should be pruned after the fruit drops or before growth begins in early spring. Trees grown for fall and winter foliage color or colorful bark should be pruned early in spring before growth begins. Heavy pruning in late summer should be avoided in general.
Fertilizer
Feed weekly during the growing season with a weak liquid fertilizer that includes micronutrients and encourages blooming. Controlled release fertilizer pellets are also excellent.
Sunlight
During short winter days, Columneas need bright light. Shade them or provide filtered indirect light during the remainder of the year.
Soil
Extremely well draining potting mix. Equal parts peat, perlite and vermiculite works well.
Temperature
"The Goldfish plant prefers a bit of extra humidity, so feel free to mist with room temperature water," shares Mast. Ghitelman echoes that opinion, adding, "Columnea Gloriosa thrives best in warm room temperatures—(65-80°F) throughout the year. It will tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F during the winter.
Additional
Columnea gloriosas have a Level 1 toxicity, the lowest rating considered poisonous. The Columnea family of plants consist of generally evergreen trailing shrubs, normally found in rainforest and cloud forest locations throughout many area of the tropical world. ... Columneas have small oval leaves on long trailing stems and do well in a hanging basket, producing masses of scarlet tubular flowers.
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