If you are someone who hasn’t been much lucky with goldfish as a pet, the goldfish plant might be the one for you. The houseplant isn’t randomly named! Its appearance explains a lot about its name. The goldfish plant is an adorable indoor and outdoor plant that resembles a cute goldfish in an ocean of foliage. Featuring orange, yellow and red flowers, the plant will surely make a delightful addition to your space. But before you do so, deep dive into this tropical plant’s growing and caring aspects. Let’s begin with the basics first!
About the Goldfish Plant
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Also known as the shark plant or dancing dolphin plant, the goldfish plant is a perennial plant that blooms brightly-coloured flowers and shares an uncanny resemblance with a goldfish. It grows a dense cluster of thin, waxy, glossy and oval-shaped leaves that cascades down gorgeously, making it a perfect hanging or table plant. One thing that doesn’t seem to be true about this plant is that it can be a little tricky to grow. However, with the right information at your disposal, you can turn up trumps. Keep reading to get the deets!
When is the Right Time to Plant a Goldfish Plant?
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If you are thinking of growing these variegated goldfish indoor plants, you can plant them at any time of the year. However, the ideal time would be during early Spring for those who want to plant these perennials outside. This will benefit your plant with the nice light and warmth of the spring and summer seasons.
How to Grow & Care for a Goldfish Plant?
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The best way to begin your journey of growing a goldfish plant is to propagate it from a cutting. Dip its end in liquid rooting hormone to stimulate growth and encourage it to establish new roots. Now, plant it in a container that is filled with the right potting mix and place it in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Next, follow the guidelines below to keep your goldfish plant looking healthy and good-looking.
Light: Providing plenty of good and bright, indirect sunlight is the key to helping it grow maximum blooms. Though it is a tropical native, it should remain indoors all year round. Since lightning conditions differ throughout the year, according to the seasons, make sure you adjust its position accordingly.
Water: The plant requires regular and consistent watering, especially during its growing season. Never let its soil dry out completely but also not soaking wet. Also, use water at room temperature. During winter, you can cut back slightly on watering.
Soil: Also, since this plant is an epiphyte, it would require enough light (preferably 10-12 hours) along with a well-draining potting medium. It is important to make sure that the container you use must have enough drainage holes. This plant usually does well in a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and sphagnum. Another good choice is potting soil containing perlite and peat moss.
Humidity: The goldfish plant is comfortable with moderate to high humidity. Thus, you can feel free to mist it with room temperature water. Do not expose it to cold drafts, vents, windows or doors. Alternatively, you can also use a humidifier or DIY humidity tray that will also work well.
Repotting: Goldfish plants are usually root-bound in their containers. Therefore, you can relax for two to three years from the time of its planting.
Pests: Just like any other houseplants, Goldfish plants are also prone to mealybugs, spider mites and aphids. Protect your Goldfish plant from all sorts of infestation by using neem oil.
Now that you have all the guidelines on how to grow and take care of this visually striking plant, enjoy putting up this exotic trailing plant in the corner of your choice.
