When Does the Goldfish Plant Bloom? An Introduction to Its Flowering Period
The goldfish plant is also known as goldfish flower, hanging goldfish, kangaroo flower and so on. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Nematanthus in the family Gesneriaceae, with a semi-woody base and dark green, rather thick leaves. It originates from the tropical American jungles, and its suitable growing temperature is 18-26°C. In general households it can be placed at a bright indoor window or on a shaded balcony. Now let us take a look at when the goldfish plant blooms!
When does the goldfish plant bloom?
The flowering period of the goldfish plant is usually in spring and summer, and the blooming time is long. Before it blooms in winter, it is best to give it appropriate sunlight exposure; it can be placed on a balcony or at a window, which allows the flowers to bloom more brightly and abundantly. Its seedlings do not bloom in the first year; only after two or three years can orange-red flowers be seen opening in the leaf axils at the tips of the trailing branches. When the flowers are in full bloom, the orange-red flowers are especially attractive; blossom after blossom hangs on the branches, and together with the green leaves they look like little goldfish playing among the water plants.
Why does the goldfish plant not bloom?
1. Insufficient light: The goldfish plant likes a shaded environment, but light is essential for the survival of green-leaf plants. While enjoying the warmth of the sun, they accumulate nutrients for themselves, and with insufficient light the plant grows poorly, let alone blooming.
2. Improper watering: The goldfish plant likes a cool, dry environment, and in winter it has a short dormant period, blooming after it awakens. If watered too much, it is very easy for the stems and branches to become soft and rot and die, and if the plant is infected by pests and diseases, it is very difficult for it to bloom.
3. Poor ventilation: The goldfish plant hates being kept in a stuffy environment most of all. If the growing environment has no circulating air, the leaves will gradually wilt and turn yellow, and normal growth will be inhibited. If this happens right during the flowering season, the flower buds cannot grow normally and it will be difficult for the plant to bloom.
How should the goldfish plant be grown so that it blooms?
1. Soil: Potted goldfish plants require a substrate rich in humus, loose and well-draining. Generally, peat soil, perlite and vermiculite are commonly mixed in equal amounts, and the soil should be made slightly acidic to favor growth.
2. Temperature: The optimal growing temperature for the goldfish plant is around 18-22°C. It is not cold-tolerant; if the minimum temperature drops below 10°C, the leaves of the goldfish plant will turn yellow and dry up, or even fall off. It also dislikes high temperatures, and temperatures above 30°C will likewise cause leaf drop.
3. Light: The goldfish plant likes a shaded environment and must not be exposed to the scorching sun. Before it blooms in winter, sunlight exposure can be appropriately increased, which will improve the quality of the flowers. However, sunlight must not shine directly on the goldfish plant, otherwise the leaves will dry up or even fall off 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, and in winter water again after the potting soil is dry about one centimeter deep from the surface. However, there must not be too much water, otherwise the roots are prone to rotting.
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 the flowers. After the flowers fade, apply nitrogen-containing fertilizer. For plants that have already begun to produce small plantlets, a topdressing mainly of nitrogen can be applied once every half month.