A Detailed Guide to the Latest Growing Methods and Precautions for the Goldfish Plant
The goldfish plant is also known as goldfish flower, kangaroo flower, hanging goldfish, etc. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Nematanthus in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Costa Rica, Panama and other places, with high ornamental value. It is very suitable for pot culture by the epiphytic method in greenhouses and indoor gardens, and can also be used as a hanging plant for viewing in the home. Now let us take a look at the growing methods and precautions for the goldfish plant!
Growth Habits of the Goldfish Plant
The goldfish plant prefers high temperature, high humidity and a shaded environment. If it is placed in a sunny spot for a long time, or if it is too dry or the winter temperature is too low, it will drop its leaves. The optimum growing temperature is 18-22°C, and it is intolerant of low temperatures. If the temperature stays below 10°C for two consecutive days, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry out, to the point that even a very slight vibration will cause leaf drop. Besides low temperatures, a temperature that stays above 30°C will also cause leaf drop. In summer, when temperatures are high, the goldfish plant grows very slowly or almost stops growing. At this time, appropriate shading measures should be taken so that it can grow vigorously without dropping its leaves.
Propagation Methods of the Goldfish Plant
The goldfish plant can be propagated by sowing, division and cuttings. Because seeds are not easy to obtain, sowing is rarely used, and the cutting method is generally used for propagation. In spring and autumn, cut off branches about 10 cm long (3-4 nodes) and insert them into a cutting bed made of river sand or vermiculite, keeping the humidity high. At a temperature of 20-25°C, roots will form in about one month. After the roots have formed and the plant has survived, strengthen management to promote the growth of new shoots, and pinch off the growing tips to encourage branching. After 1-2 months, it can be potted up.
Growing Methods for the Goldfish Plant
1. Soil: Pot culture of the goldfish plant requires a substrate rich in humus, loose and well-drained. Generally, peat soil, perlite and vermiculite are mixed in equal amounts, and the soil should be kept slightly acidic to favor growth.
2. Temperature: The optimum growing temperature for the goldfish plant is around 18-22°C. It is not cold-tolerant. If the minimum temperature is below 10°C, the leaves of the goldfish plant will turn yellow, dry up and even drop. It also dislikes high temperatures, and a temperature above 30°C will also cause leaf drop.
3. Light: The goldfish plant likes a shaded environment and must not be exposed to the scorching sun. Before flowering in winter, sunlight can be appropriately increased to improve the quality of flowering. However, sunlight must not shine directly on the goldfish plant, otherwise the leaves will wither and even drop and the plant will die.
4. Humidity: The growth of the goldfish plant requires sufficient water. During the peak growing season, the potting soil should be kept moist at all times. In winter, water again only after the top one centimeter of the potting soil has dried. However, do not use too much water, otherwise root rot is likely.
⟦NL>5. Fertilizing: During the peak growing season, apply a thin organic fertilizer solution once every 1-2 weeks. Before flowering, increase the application of phosphorus fertilizer to increase the number and quality of flowers. After the flowers fade, apply nitrogen-containing fertilizer. For plants that have begun to produce small plantlets, apply a nitrogen-based top dressing once every half month.
Precautions for the Goldfish Plant
1. The goldfish plant is sensitive to light and cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. In winter, when the sunlight is not strong, it can receive appropriate exposure.
2. Long-term lack of water in the goldfish plant will cause leaf drop or turn the leaves brown, affecting its appearance, so water it in time.
3. When the climate is dry in summer and autumn, spray water on the goldfish plant to increase the air humidity around the plant.
4. Do not fertilize the goldfish plant during the flowering period, and prune and shape it promptly after the flowers fade.