How to grow a goldfish plant? Master these care methods and precautions
The goldfish plant, also known as goldfish flower, kangaroo flower, hanging goldfish, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Nematanthus in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Costa Rica, Panama and other places. It has high ornamental value and is very suitable for pot cultivation by the epiphytic method in greenhouses and indoor gardens, and can also be used as a hanging plant for viewing in the home. Let's take a look at the care methods and precautions for the goldfish plant!
Growth habits of the goldfish plant
The goldfish plant likes high temperatures, high humidity and a shady environment. If it is placed in the sun for a long time, or if it is too dry or the winter temperature is too low, it will drop its leaves. The suitable growth temperature is 18-22°C, and it is sensitive to low temperatures. If the temperature is below 10°C for two consecutive days, the leaves will start to turn yellow and dry out, until even a very slight vibration will make them fall off. Besides low temperatures, a temperature continuously 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 and not lose its leaves.
Propagation methods of the goldfish plant
The goldfish plant can be propagated by seed, division and cuttings. Because seeds are not easy to obtain, seed propagation is mostly not used, and cutting propagation is 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 will form in about one month. After the roots take and the plant survives, strengthen management to promote new branch growth, and pinch the tips to encourage branching. After 1-2 months, it can be potted.
Care methods for the goldfish plant
1. Soil: Pot cultivation 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 facilitate growth.
2. Temperature: The best growth 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 fall off. It is sensitive to high temperatures, and a temperature above 30°C will also cause leaf drop.
3. Light: The goldfish plant likes a shady environment and must not be exposed to the scorching sun. In winter before flowering, sunlight can be appropriately increased to improve flower quality. But sunlight must not shine directly on the goldfish plant, otherwise the leaves will wither and 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 regularly. In winter, water again after the top about one cm of the potting soil has dried. But there must not be too much water, otherwise the roots will easily rot.
5. Fertilizing: During the peak growing season, apply a thin organic fertilizer solution once every 1-2 weeks. Before flowering, increase phosphorus fertilizer to boost the number and quality of flowers. After the flowers fade, apply nitrogen-containing fertilizer. For plants that have begun to grow 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 water shortage 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 during the flowering period of the goldfish plant, and after the flowers fade, prune and reshape it in time.