How to Propagate the Goldfish Plant? Detailed Introduction to Common Propagation Methods

The goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) has dark green leaves and tubular flowers with slightly curved ridges and a pitcher-shaped mouth; the flowers start out red and gradually turn pale yellow to white. It usually blooms in spring, with a flowering period of just over 20 days. So, how do you propagate the goldfish plant?

1. How to Propagate the Goldfish Plant?

The goldfish plant is commonly propagated by cuttings. In spring and autumn, cut stems about 10cm long and insert them into a seedbed made of river sand or vermiculite, keeping the temperature between 20 and 25°C; roots will form in about 1 month. After the cuttings have rooted and established, step up care to encourage new shoots, and pinch out the growing tips to promote branching. After 1 to 2 months they can be potted up.

2. What Are the Cultivation Techniques for the Goldfish Plant?

1. Soil

For growing the goldfish plant, the potting soil should be a loose, fertile sandy loam that drains and aerates well and is rich in organic matter. It is best to use peat soil or leaf mold, or a mix of perlite and peat soil in varying proportions, kept slightly acidic to favor growth.

2. Temperature

The goldfish plant grows best at 16-26°C; temperatures that are too high or too low both affect its growth. In the warm spring and autumn seasons, the stems keep producing new shoots and leaves; when summer temperatures exceed 30°C, growth stalls, so watering should be reduced and the plant placed in a cool, ventilated spot; below 10°C in winter it enters dormancy and should be moved indoors to overwinter, and the indoor winter temperature must not fall below 5°C, otherwise it is prone to cold damage.

3. Fertilizing

The goldfish plant's fertilizer needs depend on the plant's growth condition. Usually, when transplanting seedlings, add 20-30 granules of slow-release organic compound fertilizer at one-third of the depth of the potting soil, and later bury a topdressing of organic fertilizer again when repotting. Apply dilute cake fertilizer water 1-2 times a month; before and during flowering, extra phosphorus and potassium fertilizer helps the plant produce more flowers. When the plant stops growing in summer and after it goes dormant in winter, fertilizing should be stopped to avoid fertilizer burn.

The goldfish plant is valued both for its foliage and its flowers, and is suitable for growing indoors in hanging pots or baskets, placed on top of cabinets, on stands or hanging at a windowsill, where it looks superb.