Popular Goldfish Plant Varieties and Their Care
Learn to distinguish between different Goldfish Plants and provide the right environment for a healthy houseplant covered in its signature, colorful flowers.
The goldfish plant earns its name from vibrant, pouch-shaped flowers that resemble tiny, leaping goldfish. These blooms, often in shades of orange, red, or yellow, dangle from trailing stems, creating an eye-catching display. Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, this plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants in its natural habitat. It belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and is a relative of the African violet.
Classic Goldfish Plant Varieties
The most widely recognized variety is Nematanthus gregarius. This plant features glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that create a lush backdrop for its classic orange flowers. The inch-long blossoms appear in clusters, mostly during the summer months. Its compact, trailing habit makes it well-suited for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant where its stems can cascade.
A particularly dramatic cultivar is Nematanthus ‘Black Gold’. The defining feature of this variety is its foliage, which is so dark green it appears almost black. This dark, glossy foliage creates a stunning contrast with its vibrant orange-yellow flowers. Some variations also exhibit reddish lines on the undersides of the leaves, adding another layer of visual interest.
Nematanthus ‘Tropicana’ is distinguished by its colorful flowers, which are a base of dark yellow adorned with red, orange, or purple stripes. The foliage consists of plain, dark green leaves that provide a simple canvas for the patterned blooms. The plant maintains a bushy, compact habit, with reddish-brown stems that arch as they grow.
Trailing and Unique Goldfish Plant Varieties
A common point of confusion for many gardeners is the “Flying Goldfish Plant,” or Columnea gloriosa. While it shares a common name, it belongs to a different genus within the same plant family. Its flowers are more elongated and tubular than those of Nematanthus varieties, and the foliage features distinct, velvety, lance-shaped leaves. This plant has a dramatic trailing form that is ideal for high plant stands or macrame hangers.
For a more delicate and dense trailing option, Nematanthus wettsteinii is an excellent choice. This variety is characterized by its smaller, glossy green leaves that grow profusely along its spreading stems. It produces an abundance of small, orange-red flowers with a classic pouch-like shape and a small yellow opening. Its trailing habit makes it a perfect candidate for hanging baskets.
The Nematanthus ‘Golden West’ cultivar is prized for its striking variegated foliage. The leaves are light green with creamy yellow or white edges, sometimes showing pink highlights. This variegation provides year-round interest, even when the plant is not in bloom. It produces orange, pouch-like flowers that stand out beautifully against the multicolored leaves.
General Goldfish Plant Care
Goldfish plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window is ideal, as it provides morning light without the harsh intensity of direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. These plants can also be grown under artificial grow lights to supplement natural light.
Being epiphytes, goldfish plants need a light, airy, and well-draining potting mix. A peat-based mix with added perlite or vermiculite will ensure good aeration and prevent waterlogging. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and reduce watering frequency during the fall and winter months.
These tropical natives prefer warm and humid conditions, thriving in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). To increase humidity, you can mist the plant, group it with other plants, or place it on a pebble tray filled with water. During the spring and summer growing season, feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks.
How to Encourage Blooms
Sufficient light is a primary factor in encouraging a goldfish plant to flower. While they tolerate medium light, placing the plant where it receives several hours of bright, indirect light daily will improve its ability to produce blooms. Without enough light, the plant will prioritize foliage growth.
A slight change in winter care can help stimulate spring blooming. Reducing watering during the colder months allows the soil to become slightly drier between waterings, which can mimic a natural dormancy period. This rest encourages the plant to produce a more robust flush of flowers when the growing season begins.
Using the right fertilizer can also promote flowering. During the spring and summer growing season, a fertilizer higher in phosphorus can help encourage the plant to develop buds. Feeding the plant weekly or bi-weekly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during this period provides the nutrients for a vibrant floral display.
Pruning the plant after it flowers can also encourage bushier growth and more blooms in the subsequent season.