Goldfish Plant

The brilliantly gorgeous orange flowers of the goldfish plant, which resemble the goldfish, earns it its name. The arching back of the eye-catching orange blossoms of the plant, to which the tail is attached, gives them the identical features of a goldfish. To add to this, the blossoms reach a length of 3 inches, which makes them all the more similar to the fish for which the plant is named after. Unlike other plants, this one is a little more attention demanding species of the fauna and why not? After all, it adds so much charm and character to your indoors and the best thing about it is that, it is perennial by nature - meaning it takes good care of its looks and beauty all year around. Brazil, Costa Rica and the southernmost regions of Mexico, are the places which this indoor plant is endemic to. The below segment is a brief description on how to take good care of this piece of natural beauty.

Care Tips

The goldfish plant is one of the thirsty plant species and therefore must be kept moist at all times. However, care must be taken that the soil does not get soggy. Misting the plant daily using a spray bottle helps in taking care of its humidity needs and makes way for a healthy foliage. However, the water must not have a heavy concentration of lime. Basically, the soil must be uniformly moist and in periods of inactive growing, decrease the watering to allow the soil to dry out slightly. You will know if you are overwatering your plant, if the leaves begin to develop black spots on them. You can also increase the humid conditions for the plant by placing pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish of the pot to hold water. Do not let the pot sit on the water, instead place it on the gravel.

Bright lighting conditions are preferred by the gold fish. Choose a spot for the plant which is nicely lit with indirect sunlight. If you notice the leaves beginning to curl up, then it may be a symptom of inadequate sunlight. It is advisable that you keep your plant near an east or south-facing window. Here, it will get all the light it needs, without being open to the risk of direct sunlight.

An important aspect of a goldfish plant care is using it as a hanging plant. It does best that way. Keeping the plant outdoor might cost it its health and beauty. However, it may be kept under the care of a greenhouse, where it will have the required warmth and humidity it requires for its growth.

The plant does good in warmer temperature. A temperature above 60 degree is good enough. Not to mention, keep the plant away from vents and drafty areas.

It may happen that your goldfish plant might lose flowers with no signs of new blossoms. In such a case, enclose and secure the plant in a plastic bag after watering and moving it to indirect sunlight. This is a kind of greenhouse effect that you're providing to the plant and this method should encourage it to begin flowering once again within a few weeks.

Goldfish plant cuttings can be used for propagation of the plant. The best time for this is considered to be the period between springtime and the end of summer. Get rich potting soil which contains peat and perlite. Press the cuttings gently into the soil and make sure that the potting mix has good cover on the cuttings. Water the pot well and use a plastic bag in order to encase the pot completely. This is to keep the moisture from evaporating. Thereafter, place the pot in a well-lit area, free of direct sunlight. Do not remove the plastic covering, until the plants have attained a good establishment.

Use a lime-less fertilizer that can be easily dissolved in water, on a weekly basis. During periods of rest, i.e., when the plant goes into a hibernating mode, you may stop feeding the plant until it has started growing again.

Although the goldfish plant needs an extra bit of care and attention, its delightful beauty all year around, is sure worth the effort to put in.