Care for a Goldfish Plant

The goldfish plant (Columnea x banksii) is an indoor plant with dark green leaves and red flowers that resemble a goldfish when viewed from on top. It's a fairly particular (albeit reasonably hardy) indoor plant that blooms almost all year round. It's a good plant for show and the more attention you give it, the better it will be. Here is how to care for it.

Steps

  1. If you don't already have the plant, either purchase one from your local nursery or it can be grown from cuttings. If using cuttings, place about three to four in a standard size indoor pot and expect them to root within about four weeks.
  2. Position the plant in a bright spot. However, do not ever place it in direct sunlight. It should not get too hot but needs moderate warmth.
  3. Provide adequate humidity. This plant thrives on plenty of humidity. To ensure this, stand it on a pebble tray and spray it at least daily.
  4. Keep watering levels low. This plant does not tolerate wet roots well so keep it on the pebble tray and water sparingly.
  5. Feed it. Use a high-phosphate liquid fertiliser watered down to a quarter of its recommended strength.
  6. Keep it in good shape. Trim the bottom third of the roots using a knife, every second year. Repot and give it new soil and compost at the same time.



Tips

  • This plant has resting periods. Should you see it dropping its leaves, reduce the water you're giving it so that it is a little drier, for about a month. After that, resume normal watering and misting and the plant should be right again.
  • This plant can also be grown outdoors if your local environment is warm enough.

Warnings

  • Don't place this plant near vents or drafts.
  • Aphids like this plant.

Things You'll Need

  • Goldfish plant or cuttings
  • Suitable container
  • Pebble tray
  • Mister or sprayer
  • Fertiliser high in phosphate

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Care_for_a_Goldfish_Plant&oldid=351885"