Goldfish plants produce beautiful red and orange color flowers with dark glossy green leaves. In one look these flowers look like a goldfish.
Many people fail when they grow goldfish plants because it is hard to grow and care for them.
You need good knowledge of plant requirements and soil ingredients before growing it at home.
If you are new to gardening and want to have it in your houseplant collection then you are at the right place. Because today I will share my experience with the goldfish plant.
After reading this guide you will be able to grow it easily in a short time.
It is a vining plant which means you can grow it in hanging baskets. Under ideal growing conditions, this plant produces 2 to 3 inches long beautiful flowers.
Light Needs
In order to help your plant to develop glossy bright green foliage, place it in good bright light.
The direct sunshine falling on plants can damage their leaves and flowers. Therefore, place the plant pot away from direct sunlight.
Low light is also not beneficial because it triggers stretchy growth and your plant will produce fewer leaves and no flowers.
The ideal place will be the east-facing window. If you want to grow it outdoor then grow it under large trees.
This way it will be protected from direct sunlight.
Potting Soil
Peat, perlite, and vermiculite must be the top ingredients of the potting mix. Soil mixes that are made for epiphytic plants will do best.
Fast-draining soil is the only option for goldfish plants.
This type of soil quickly drains the extra water and keeps your plant protected from root fungus. It is a disease that impacts entire plant health.
The only solution is to take out the plant from its pot, cut the infected and damaged parts of roots and repot it.
Watering
You should be very careful with watering goldfish plant. It needs moist soil for 365 days to grow. But the soggy or waterlogged soil results in root rot.
To protect your plant from overwatering the first step is choosing the right type of potting soil. Because well-draining soil can handle accidental overwatering by draining the extra water out of the pot.
Secondly, you need to learn the right watering method. Insert your finger in the soil to check the soil moisture.
If it is dry then give some water to your plant, if it has moisture then wait for 24 hours and check again.
While watering goldfish do not stop until the water starts coming through the bottom hole. Then give some time to your plant to drain the extra water in the saucer.
Now empty the saucer and place it under the plant.
In summer days you need to water every week and, in the winter season cut back on watering.
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Fertilizing
To help your plant grow healthy give it a few fertilizers. Use the weak liquid form of nutrients, use fresh clean water to dilute it.
No need to use high-end fertilizers because they are good for fast-growing plants. This one is a slow grower and needs slow-releasing nutrients.
Avoid overfertilization because it will only result in burning the plant.
Temperature & Humidity
65 to 80 degrees F is the ideal temperature range for the plant. Below 65 F will invite many problems like freezing internal plant tissues.
For humidity use a plant humidifier to keep the room humidity in a good range. The general home humidity is enough for caring for this plant. 40 to 50 % is a good range.
On low humid days, you should use the spray bottle to mist water on goldfish leaves. You can also use the pebble tray method if you do not have a humidifier at home.
Repotting
Goldfish plants need repotting once in 2 years. For potting up you should pick the one-size large pot. The material can be plastic, ceramic, or terracotta.
Do not choose too large a pot this will only invite problems.
At the time of reporting, you should also check the root health. Gently remove the dry and dead roots. Doing so will encourage the formation of new roots.
Propagation
Steam cutting is a highly successful method of goldfish plant propagation. In this technique, you need to find a healthy stem of the plant.
Then use sharp shears to cut it. It should be 4 to 5 inches long with a few leaves at the bottom. The Spring season is the best time of propagation.
Dip the cut edge in the rooting hormone and then plant it in the potting soil. Use the same quality of the soil that you use for growing the mother plant.
Place the cutting in a warm and humid place this increases the chances of root formation.
Conclusion
There are a few things that you need to take care of while growing goldfish plants. If you are new to gardening then you must go for this plant.
By growing it, you will gain good experience. And if you have more questions or you are facing problems with your houseplants.
Feel free to contact us, we are here to help you.
