Goldfish Plant Care

Goldfish Plant Trailing

The goldfish plant is named for its bright orange flowers that resemble goldfish. This plant can be grown either as a trailing, hanging, or upstanding plant. After significant growth the plant will begin to naturally fall over; however, if you like the upstanding look, put a plant support around it.

Light: Goldfish plants require bright light. If your plant is not flowering, it may not be getting enough light. A sign of too much light is browning leaves If your plant starts to get brown leaves, move it a little bit further away from the window.

Watering: Water your goldfish plant 2-3 times per week depending on how harsh the sunlight is on it. You want the very top of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but you want to keep the roots moist. Each time you water your goldfish plant, only give it a little bit of water. You do not want to drown your plant which could lead to root rot.

Goldfish Flower

Pot: Any small pot will work fine. Goldfish plants like to be slightly root bound to the pot. If you pot your plant in too big of a pot, it will not flower as well. Only repot your goldfish plant if you notice it is getting root wrap. If your plant seems to start tipping in its small pot, put a rock in the pot to help weigh it down

Pests: Goldfish plants are susceptible to aphids and spider mites. If you notice any aphids or spider mites on your plant, you need to deal with them immediately. If spider mites or aphids are left alone, they will kill your plant.

Soil: All-purpose potting mix works fine.

Problems: If your goldfish plant is suddenly dropping its flowers and leaves, it is probably not getting enough water. Start watering your plant more often and it will regrow the flowers and leaves it lost. If you neglect your plant to the point it is almost bare, do not throw your plant out. Goldfish plants are fast-growing so it will replace the leaves and flowers it lost and will start looking healthy again. If it doesn't look like your plant will come back to looking beautiful, try to take cuttings and propagate your plant so you can get a fresh start.

Propagation: Goldfish plants are simple to propagate. Take a cutting of your goldfish plant that had quite a few leaves, then stick it in a small pot with dirt. Place the entire pot with the cutting in a plastic bag, then leave it under a plant light or sunny spot. Leave the cutting alone until you notice roots and a new sprout. Take your cutting from the back or an unnoticeable spot on your plant because the stem will not grow back. It will take a couple of months before you will notice any sprouts. As long as the original cutting looks healthy, do not open or mess with the plastic bag.

Roots on cutting

Cutting under my plant light

Baby goldfish plant

Goldfish plants have  long-lasting blooms that almost bloom all year with the correct care making them very rewarding to grow. Also goldfish plants will grow rapidly. A baby goldfish plant will turn into a gorgeous trailing plant in one year. Goldfish plants will stay healthy as long as you give them enough light and water!

Good Luck!

Lily's Indoor Jungle