The exotic and eye-catching Goldfish plant is an easy-to-care-for evergreen houseplant. Native to Central and South America, this plant is a vining epiphyte that grows in rainforests on the branches of trees and rocks, providing it with a unique and aesthetically pleasing look. So, what goes into caring for and propagating Goldfish plants?
The Goldfish plant prefers mild to moderate humidity and room temperature. To care for the plant, keep the soil evenly moist to encourage growth and fertilize using a good liquid fertilizer. Propagation is best carried out by taking cuttings from the parent plants.
This plant is a great addition to any home as it’s low-maintenance and adapts well to bright, indirect light. In this article, I’ll cover the ideal growing environment, propagation methods, and care requirements for this beautiful houseplant.
Goldfish Plant Propagation Guidelines
Propagating Goldfish plants are relatively easy and can be done at home. You can propagate in various ways, including:
Rooting Stem Tip Cuttings
Goldfish plants are propagated from cuttings. To take a cutting, simply do the following:
- Choose an area of the stem near the tip of the plant, about 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) long.
- Use sharp scissors to cut just below a node on the stem.
- Remove leaves from the cutting and dip the cut in the rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a pot filled with moist soil or vermiculite, ensuring the node is below the surface.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in indirect sunlight.
- Water every few days to keep the medium moist but not soggy.
The cutting should have rooted in a few weeks and can then be removed from the bag. Move the plant to a bright, warm spot and water regularly. The roots will become more established as the plant grows.
Division
The Goldfish plant is one of the few plants that can be propagated by division. You can do this when the plant is repotted or when the plant is already in a large container with multiple stems.
To do this, all you need to do are:
- Carefully remove the entire root ball and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good root system.
- Plant each section in a separate pot and water regularly until the plants are well-established.
- Water each pot and place them in a warm location with plenty of bright, indirect light.
The division method is done in the spring when new growth appears. This allows for a strong, healthy division and quick regrowth. After dividing the plants, they should be fertilized weekly to ensure healthy regrowth.
Keep an eye on the plants after dividing them; if any new growth appears, you can pot them into individual pots. This is a great way to increase the number of Goldfish plants in your collection.
Propagation by Seed
it’s difficult to propagate the Goldfish plant through seed propagation. Finding pollinated seeds is difficult, and the germination rate is low. The best way to propagate this plant through seed propagation would be to look for a local seed source.
However, if this is not possible, the seeds can be purchased from a gardening store or online.
- The seeds should be sown in a flat tray filled with a moist growing medium such as peat and vermiculite.
- Sow the seeds one to two inches (2.54-5.08 cm) deep, and the tray should be covered to keep the growing medium moist.
- Place the tray in a warm and humid location like a greenhouse.
- The tray should be monitored closely for germination, usually within one to two weeks.
- The seedlings should then be transplanted into pots filled with well-draining commercial potting soil when they are large enough to handle.
Care Requirements for the Goldfish Plant
Here are some tips on how to care for your Goldfish plant:
Light Conditions
The Goldfish plant is native to tropical rainforests and loves bright indirect sunlight. However, too much direct sunlight can cause its leaves to burn. Place your Columnea nematanthus in a spot that receives indirect light from an east-facing window for best results.
East-facing windows provide bright morning light without the risk of the intense afternoon sun. This plant needs 13 hours of light each day to thrive. The natural light may not be enough for the plant, so you may need to supplement its lighting with bright, fluorescent light.
You can place it 8-12 inches (20.3-30.5 cm) away from a full-spectrum fluorescent bulb or replace its current bulb with a 10,000K fluorescent bulb. If you have planted your plant outdoors, ensure it’s placed in an area protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. Direct sunlight and strong winds may damage its delicate foliage.
Watering
During summer, water your Goldfish plant every four days unless the soil is still damp. In winter, when the plant’s growth slows and temperatures drop, you only need to water it every two weeks. Check the soil before deciding if your plant needs more water – stick your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If it’s damp, you don’t need to water it.
Humidity
The Goldfish plant needs mild to moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. Increase the humidity levels by misting your plant daily with room-temperature water. Do not use cold water for misting, as it may cause damage to the foliage.
You can add a humidifier near your plant if you have it. They are from tropical rainforests, where it’s cooler and needs moisture in the air to thrive. You can also place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles to increase humidity levels.
Fertilizer
The Goldfish plant should be fertilized every week during the growing season. Use a weak liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. You can use a 15-30-15 fertilizer as long as it’s low in nitrogen.
Too much nitrogen will cause the plant to produce lots of greenery but little flowers. Stop fertilizing the plant during autumn and winter as the growth rate slows, and fertilizing is unnecessary.
Temperature
The Goldfish plant is a tropical species that need temperatures of at least 65°F (18.33°C) or higher. It’s best to keep the temperature in the range of 65-85°F (18.33-29.44°C) for optimal care.
It’s not recommended to keep the temperature below 60°F (15.56°C), as this may cause damage to the plant. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much, as this could cause stress to the plant.
It doesn’t tolerate extreme temperatures, so keep it away from cold drafts and hot radiators. If you live in an area with warmer temperatures, your plant will do best if it’s placed close to an open window or door to provide some air circulation.
Pruning
You may need to prune your Goldfish plant occasionally, as it can become overgrown. Pruning should be done selectively and gently. Plants can be cut back to shape and encourage branching.
Be sure not to prune too much, as this can damage the plant and disrupt growth. When pruning your Goldfish plant, use sharp scissors or a small pair of gardening shears. Make sure to make clean cuts close to the stem.
Afterward, you can use a soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to sterilize the blades and keep your plant free of diseases or pests.
You can also pinch off any new buds or shoots as they appear to encourage more vigorous growth. This will prevent your plant from becoming too leggy. Doing this will also promote branching, which will, in turn, create a fuller, more attractive plant.
Soil
The Goldfish plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range from 6.1-6.5 and provides good drainage. A good potting mix for Goldfish plants should consist of three parts perlite, two parts peat moss, and one part vermiculite.
To ensure good drainage, add some medium-sized rocks to the bottom of the planter. Fortified soils can also be used as they contain most of the nutrients needed by the plant. The soil should be moist but not soggy to provide the best environment for growth and flowering.
Repotting
Repotting should be done every two to three years or as needed.
- Start with a container that is one size up from the current pot.
- Use a well-draining potting mix, such as one containing peat moss and perlite.
- Fill the new pot about two-thirds of the way full and place your Goldfish plant into the pot.
- Then, fill in around the root ball with a potting mix and lightly water it in.
- Be sure to keep the root ball above the soil line, as Goldfish plants do not like to be buried.
- Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight and water lightly.
It may take your Goldfish plant a few weeks to adjust to its new home, so be patient.
Pests and Problems
The Goldfish plant is generally quite pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. To avoid these problems, ensure the plant is kept clean and check for pests regularly. If infestations occur, use a gentle insecticide to eliminate the pests.
Final Thoughts
Goldfish plants are beautiful, low-maintenance houseplants that add a unique touch to any home. With the proper care, it will thrive indoors, providing you with a lush, full plant with bright yellow flowers. It’s not overly demanding, but it does require some attention to keep it healthy and happy.