Not ready for the responsibility of a goldfish, but want something just as adorable? Well, this month we’re featuring a houseplant that will be perfect for you! This plant will bring joy to any plant or pet lover. It can be fussy at times, however, it’s worth the hassle. When provided the ideal conditions it
Introducing… The Goldfish Plant
Winner of the cutest flowering houseplant (awarded by us)
Plant Level: Intermediate
Price: $5-$25
The Goldfish plant is extra special to me because it’s one of the very first plants I owned. Way back when I was a college student I needed two more credits to graduate. Well, I ended up in a houseplants class (life-changing) and this was one of the plants I received in that class. I didn’t know much about houseplants at the time and didn’t even know what kind of plant it was. Then one day I came home to the cutest fish-like flowers and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since.
Goldfish Plant
The Goldfish plant’s botanical name is Columnea gloriosa. This plant originates from Central and South America. It comes in many different varieties. Some even have hairy, velvety leaves. A natural trailing plant the Goldfish plant’s branches can grow up to three feet long, making it the perfect plant to display in a hanging planter. It gets its name from its unique flowers that look like little goldfish emerging from the small dark-green waxy leaves.
When given the right growing conditions this plant will give you abundant goldfish flowers regularly so, let’s get into the specifics of how to care for this cute little plant.
Light:
The appropriate amount of light is crucial for this plant if you want it to flower. It needs bright, indirect sunlight. However, avoid direct sunlight which will burn the leaves. If the plant isn’t getting enough light it can get very leggy and can drop leaves. Don’t have a bright enough spot for a Goldfish plant? Invest in a grow light and watch this plant thrive.
Water:
During prime growing season water this plant when the top one or two inches of soil are dry, ideally keeping the soil evenly moist. In winter months, when the plant is more dormant, you can allow the soil to get drier. But still, don’t allow the plant to completely dry out. I recommend buying a moisture meter if you don’t have one. It makes it super easy to check and know when it’s time to give your planty friend a drink.
Soil:
Goldfish plants prefer a rich soil that still drains quickly. Try out an African violet potting mix that this plant will love.
Humidity:
This plant loves a humid environment, but can usually adapt to regular household humidity. Purchase a humidifier if you want to keep this plant extra happy. You can also mist this plant regularly to boost the humidity level. However, make sure to use room temperature water as cold water can damage the leaves.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize this plant with a quality, preferably high-phosphorous plant food, every two weeks during spring and summer when the plant is blooming. During its dormant period fertilize monthly.
Toxicity:
This plant is considered non-toxic and is safe for children and pets. Yay!
More Blooms Please:
In order to get more flowers from your Goldfish plant make sure to pinch off the growing tips after it blooms. This will help encourage new growth and flowers. Pinching the leggy branches will also give you a bushier, healthier-looking plant.
The other crucial requirements for more flowers is to have bright indirect light and to fertilize correctly. Do these and you’ll be seeing blooms in no time.
Another planty tip for the Goldfish plant is to make sure that it’s in the appropriate size pot. It has shallow roots and prefers to be a little root bound so don’t repot very often. Every two years or so into a slightly bigger pot should keep it thriving.
Get your Goldfish plant here.
Our favorite way to display a Goldfish plant is hanging. Check out this super cute hanging planter.
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