The goldfish plant gets its name from its bright orange, red or yellow flowers, which look like tiny goldfish leaping from glossy green leaves. It is a cheerful trailing houseplant that looks great in a hanging basket, but it has a reputation for refusing to bloom. The good news is that most problems come down to light, water and humidity. This goldfish plant care guide covers everything you need to keep yours healthy and flowering.
In this article
Goldfish Plant at a Glance
| Botanical names | Nematanthus (such as Nematanthus gregarius) and Columnea species |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae (the African violet family) |
| Native to | Tropical Central and South America |
| Light | Bright, indirect light; gentle morning sun is ideal |
| Temperature | About 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C); avoid cold drafts and below 55°F |
| Humidity | Moderate to high, about 50% or more |
| Water | When the top inch of soil is dry; less in winter |
| Soil | Light, airy, well-draining mix, such as African violet mix |
| Blooms | Mainly spring and summer, sometimes longer indoors |
| Pets | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA |
Two different plant groups are sold as “goldfish plant.” Nematanthus has small, thick, glossy leaves and pouch-shaped flowers. Columnea usually has longer, trailing stems and more tubular flowers. Their care is very similar.
Light
Light is the number one reason a goldfish plant does or does not bloom. Give it bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west window behind a sheer curtain. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, while a dim corner keeps the plant green but flowerless. In darker homes, a grow light for 10 to 12 hours a day works well.
Watering
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let excess water drain away.
- Use room-temperature water; cold water can spot the leaves.
- Water less in winter, when growth slows.
- Never let the pot sit in water. Soggy soil leads to root rot and leaf drop.
Humidity and Temperature
Goldfish plants are epiphytes in the wild, growing on trees in humid forests. Indoors they like steady warmth and moderate humidity:
- Keep them between about 65 and 75°F.
- Keep them away from heating vents, radiators and cold, drafty windows.
- Raise humidity with a pebble tray, a room humidifier or by grouping plants together. Bathrooms with good light are a great spot.
Soil and Potting
Use a light, fast-draining mix. African violet potting mix works well, or mix regular potting soil with perlite and orchid bark. Goldfish plants like being slightly snug in their pots, so repot only every two or three years, in spring, into a pot just one size larger with drainage holes.
Fertilizing
Feed every two to four weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength, or a bloom-boosting formula. Stop feeding in late fall and winter. Too much fertilizer can burn roots and cause brown leaf tips.
Pruning and Pinching
Flowers form on new growth, so regular pinching helps. After a flush of blooms, pinch or trim the stem tips back by a few inches. This makes the plant bushier, prevents long bare stems and encourages more flowers. You can root the cuttings to make new plants.
Why Is My Goldfish Plant Not Blooming?
| Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Not enough light | Move to a brighter spot with indirect light or add a grow light |
| Long, leggy stems | Pinch back stem tips to encourage new flowering growth |
| Low humidity | Use a pebble tray or humidifier |
| No feeding | Fertilize during spring and summer |
| Too cold or drafty | Keep it above about 60°F and away from drafts |
| Pot far too large | Use a snug pot; roots that are slightly crowded often bloom better |
Common Problems
- Leaf drop: usually caused by cold drafts, sudden temperature changes or overwatering.
- Yellow leaves: often too much water or poor drainage.
- Brown, crispy leaf tips: low humidity or too much fertilizer.
- Pests: watch for aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Wipe leaves and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
How to Propagate a Goldfish Plant
- In spring or summer, cut a healthy stem tip 3 to 4 inches long, just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves.
- Dip the end in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant it in moist, light potting mix and cover loosely with a clear bag to hold humidity.
- Keep it warm and in bright, indirect light. Roots usually form in a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the goldfish plant toxic to cats and dogs?
The ASPCA lists the goldfish plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and NC State Extension lists Nematanthus gregarius as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Even so, eating any plant can upset a pet’s stomach, so keep hanging baskets out of reach of pets that like to chew.
How often does a goldfish plant bloom?
With enough light, it usually blooms heavily in spring and summer, and some plants flower on and off for much of the year.
Can a goldfish plant grow outdoors?
Only in warm, frost-free climates, in bright shade. In most areas it is grown as a houseplant, though it can spend summer outside in a sheltered spot.
Is a goldfish plant the same as a lipstick plant?
No, but they are relatives in the same family and need very similar care.
Final Thoughts
Give your goldfish plant bright, indirect light, steady warmth, moderate humidity and a light, well-draining mix, and pinch it back after blooming. Do that, and its little orange “fish” should keep swimming for years. For more houseplant and garden guides, explore the latest articles on The Urban Splatter.
