Reasons for Yellowing Leaves on the Goldfish Plant and How to Fix Them

  The goldfish plant is also known as the goldfish flower, hanging goldfish, kangaroo flower, and so on. The goldfish plant is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Gesneriaceae, genus Nematanthus, with a semi-woody base. Its leaves are dark green and rather thick and fleshy, and its small mouth, big belly, and orange-red exterior make it look very much like a little goldfish, hence the name goldfish plant.

  The goldfish plant likes a hot, humid, shade-loving environment. The suitable temperature for its growth is 18—22°C, and it dislikes low temperatures. Once the growing temperature drops below 10°C, the leaves begin to turn yellow, and in high summer temperatures the goldfish plant grows very slowly, and above 30°C it may even drop its leaves.

  What causes the leaves of the goldfish plant to turn yellow? Yellowing leaves during the growth of the goldfish plant can be caused by a variety of reasons:

  1. Light that is too strong

  The goldfish plant likes a semi-shaded environment, so if the light is too strong it will actually affect its growth and the leaves will turn yellow.

  2. Insufficient light

  Although the goldfish plant is a semi-shade-loving flowering plant, it still needs at least four hours of indirect light every day, otherwise the chlorophyll decreases and the leaves turn yellow.

  3. Temperature that is too low

  The best growing temperature for the goldfish plant is 18°C-22°C. If it is too hot, the goldfish plant will grow very slowly or almost stop growing, so shading measures should be taken as appropriate to keep it growing vigorously and prevent leaf drop. If the temperature stays below 10°C for two consecutive days, the leaves begin to turn yellow and dry out, to the point that even a very slight vibration will make them fall off.

  4. Waterlogging in the pot

  Water must not accumulate in the pot of a goldfish plant. If the potting soil stays waterlogged and does not dry out for a long time, the roots have difficulty breathing, which causes the leaves to turn yellow. Loosen the soil in time and control the watering.

  5. Watering that never soaks through for a long time

  If watering is insufficient, the roots of the goldfish plant lose water and the lower old leaves turn yellow. Water thoroughly and keep the potting soil warm and moist.

  6. Too much fertilizer

  Too much fertilizer exceeds the plant's needs. At first the leaves become glossy and uneven, then the roots rot and the leaves turn yellow. This is what we often call excess nutrients, or burning the plant. Stop fertilizing, water generously with plain water, or repot the plant, clean the roots, and refresh the soil.

  7. No repotting or soil change for a long time

  The various nutrient elements in the potting soil have been used up, and the three key elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium have not been replenished in time, so the plant lacks nutrients and the leaves become yellow and thin. Repot in fertile soil in time and water with alum fertilizer water.

  Notes:

  1. The goldfish plant is sensitive to light and cannot take direct sun; in winter, when the sunlight is not strong, it can receive appropriate exposure;

  2. When the goldfish plant lacks water, it can also drop its leaves, or the leaves turn brown, which affects its appearance, so water it in time;

  3. When the climate is dry in summer and autumn, mist the plant to increase the air humidity around it, otherwise excessive dryness may cause the tips or edges of the leaves to scorch;

  4. Do not fertilize the goldfish plant while it is blooming;

  5. After the flowers fade, prune and shape the plant.

  The goldfish plant likes a hot, humid, shade-loving environment, fears high temperatures, is not cold-hardy, and prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage and aeration. Only by mastering the growing habits of the goldfish plant can we carry out targeted care and management, thereby avoiding leaf drop or yellowing leaves.