How to Care for a Gold Fish Plant
Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is an interesting plant with shiny green leaves and orange blooms that resemble brightly-colored goldfish. Also known as "guppy plant," goldfish plant can be a bit fussy and challenging to grow, but the beauty of the foliage and the year-round blooms are worth the extra effort. Plant a goldfish plant in a sturdy pot, or plant it in a hanging container and let the goldfish blooms dangle.
Place the goldfish plant in bright light, but protect it from direct sunlight. Put the plant a few feet away from a bright window, or place it next to a window covered with a sheer curtain. Curled leaves are an indication that the plant needs a bit more light.
Water the goldfish plant regularly, and don't allow the soil to dry out. Water to the point that the soil is moist, but never allow the soil to become soggy. Pour water out of the drainage saucer immediately, and do not allow the bottom of the container to sit in water.
- Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is an interesting plant with shiny green leaves and orange blooms that resemble brightly-colored goldfish.
- Also known as "guppy plant," goldfish plant can be a bit fussy and challenging to grow, but the beauty of the foliage and the year-round blooms are worth the extra effort.
Increase humidity around the goldfish plant by placing the plant on a plate of wet pebbles or gravel. Keep the pebbles or gravel wet at all times, but don't add enough water to touch the bottom of the container. Placing the plant in a kitchen or bathroom can also increase the humidity level.
Cut back on watering for about a month if the goldfish plant's leaves begin to curl. Curling leaves are normal when the plant is entering a resting period during the winter months. Keep the soil slightly moist, and don't allow it to become bone dry. Resume normal watering after a month.
- Increase humidity around the goldfish plant by placing the plant on a plate of wet pebbles or gravel.
Keep the goldfish plant in a warm room and don't allow temperatures to drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't place the plant near heating vents or air conditioners, and protect the plant from cold drafts.
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Writer Bio
M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.
