Goldfish Begonia (Kohleria) care guide: how to grow it, what to watch out for, and key points on blooming and watering

Goldfish begonia, also known as goldfish flower, kangaroo begonia, kangaroo flower, hanging goldfish and so on. Its flower shape is unusual and cute, similar in shape to a goldfish, and it is a common indoor potted plant. Below, let us look together at how to grow goldfish begonia, and what the care methods and precautions for goldfish begonia are.

Introduction to goldfish begonia

Goldfish begonia is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Kohleria in the Gesneriaceae family, with a semi-woody base. Its leaves are dark green, rather thick and fleshy; the small mouth and big belly, with an orange-red exterior, make it look very much like a little goldfish, which is why it is called goldfish begonia. It naturally prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment. It is highly adaptable, relatively drought-tolerant, and not very cold-tolerant. It is not choosy about soil, and grows best in well-drained, loose, fertile sandy loam. It is not strict about light, generally growing well under moderate light conditions, and it also tolerates weak light. The optimum growing temperature is 15—25°C, and the overwintering temperature is 5°C.

The growth habits of goldfish begonia

Goldfish begonia likes high temperatures and high humidity, and a shaded environment. It fears high temperatures, is not cold-tolerant, and likes slightly acidic soil with good drainage and aeration.

How to grow goldfish begonia

Goldfish begonia is mostly grown in hanging baskets, though ordinary pots can also be used. It is generally best placed in a sunny spot, but when the midday sun is too strong, shade it appropriately; just keep the soil surface slightly moist.

Light: Goldfish begonia is sensitive to light. If it is exposed to direct sunlight in summer and autumn, the leaves will turn yellow and withered, and the whole plant may even die. In winter, since the sunlight is not strong, the begonia can be given some direct sunlight as appropriate.

Temperature: The optimum growing temperature for goldfish begonia is 15—25 degrees Celsius. In Guangdong, the temperatures in spring, summer and autumn are all suitable for the growth of the begonia, but if the winter temperature falls below 5—7 degrees Celsius, attention must be paid to cold protection and insulation.

Watering: Goldfish begonia likes water, and during the vigorous growth period the potting soil should be kept completely moist. During the winter dormant period, water again only after the soil about one centimeter below the surface has dried. If the soil is too dry, the leaf cluster will temporarily lose color and only recover its original color after watering again, while the leaf tips may permanently turn brown, greatly reducing its ornamental value.

Fertilizing: During the growth period, apply a dilute organic fertilizer solution once every 1 to 2 weeks to make goldfish begonia grow vigorously; before flowering, increase the application of phosphorus fertilizer to help it form more buds and flowers and enhance its ornamental effect; do not fertilize while it is flowering, and after the flowers fade, prune and shape the plant and apply more nitrogen-containing fertilizer.

Soil: Goldfish begonia is suited to a light, fertile sandy loam.

Propagation: Goldfish begonia can be propagated by seed, division and cuttings. Because seeds are not easy to obtain, seed propagation is seldom used, and cuttings are generally the common method. In spring and autumn, cut 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 form in about one month; after the cuttings take root and survive, strengthen management to encourage new shoots to grow, and pinch out the tips to promote branching. After 1-2 months, they can be potted up.

Precautions for goldfish begonia

Goldfish begonia is sensitive to light and cannot be exposed to direct sunlight, though it can receive appropriate exposure in winter when the sunlight is not strong; when goldfish begonia lacks water, it can also shed leaves or turn the leaves brown, affecting its appearance, so water it promptly; when the climate is dry in summer and autumn, spray water to increase the air humidity around the plant, otherwise excessive dryness may cause the leaf tips or edges to scorch; do not fertilize while goldfish begonia is flowering; after the flowers fade, prune and shape the plant.

When does goldfish begonia bloom

The flowering period of goldfish begonia is usually in spring and summer, and the blooming period is long. Before it blooms in winter, it is best to give it appropriate sunlight exposure and place it on a balcony or windowsill, so that the flowers bloom more brightly and abundantly. Its seedlings do not bloom in the first year; only after two or three years can you see the orange-red flowers opening in the leaf axils at the tips of the hanging branches. When the flowers are in full bloom, the orange-red blooms are especially attractive; flower after flower hangs from the branches, and together with the green leaves, they look like little goldfish playing among the water plants.

Why goldfish begonia does not bloom and how to solve it

1. If it has lush branches and leaves but simply will not bloom, it may be caused by watering too often, too little sunlight, or vines growing too long.

(1) If the vines are too long and nutrients are not being transported properly, a pruning should be enough to fix it.

(2) If water and fertilizer are given too often, the begonia forgets reproductive growth and enters the vegetative growth stage. That is, it only grows leaves and does not bloom. In that case, keep fertilizing, but water intermittently, letting it dry and wet alternately. When the begonia is in a state of hunger and thirst, the message the leaves send back to the main nerve is: if it does not bloom and reproduce the next generation, it will die right away. Within half a month, it will form flower buds properly.

(3) If it truly lacks light, move the pot to a place where it can get sun in the morning and evening.

2. Measures to promote flowering: Goldfish begonia prefers a bright, indirect-light environment, so when the summer light is too strong it must be shaded (50% shading); to promote the formation of flower buds, give it sunlight in autumn and keep the potting soil slightly dry; during winter dormancy it is best kept in a dry, cool environment to promote flower bud differentiation; before it blooms in winter, light can be appropriately increased, and indoors it should be moved to the brightest window to ensure vigorous growth and blooming.

[Tips] In spring, summer and autumn, water goldfish begonia a bit more, and often spray water on the ground around it, but never sprinkle water on the leaves. When temperatures are high in summer, it is best to place the pot in a shallow tray filled with water. These measures can all prevent leaf drop caused by dry air. Before it blooms in winter and spring, goldfish flower should also be watered a little more, which allows the flowers to open fully and keeps their color fresh and bright.