How to Propagate Goldfish Plant from Cuttings: Timing and Soil Selection Methods

The goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius), with its thick, fleshy leaves shaped like little goldfish, is an indoor foliage plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for. For those who enjoy propagating flowers and plants, growing goldfish plant from cuttings is an economical and highly efficient method. So how do you take goldfish plant cuttings? Which months are best? And what kind of soil should you use? Below, we will answer these questions in detail.

The timing of goldfish plant cuttings has an important effect on the survival rate. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are the periods when the goldfish plant grows most vigorously, and they are also the best times to take cuttings.

Spring cuttings: In spring, as temperatures gradually warm up and air humidity is moderate, the goldfish plant begins to enter its active growth period. Taking cuttings at this time makes it easy for the cuttings to root, with a relatively high survival rate. Specifically, 3 to 5 is the best time period for spring cuttings, especially 3~4 months, when the temperature is suitable, basically between 15~30 degrees, and rooting occurs about half a month after cutting.

  Autumn cuttings: In autumn, the weather is cool and the temperature is suitable, making it equally good for goldfish plant cuttings. Generally from 9 to 11 months, especially in 10 months, when the temperature is moderate, it helps the cuttings to root. It should be noted that as autumn progresses, the temperature gradually drops, so after cutting you should strengthen insulation measures to ensure the cuttings root smoothly.

Steps for Goldfish Plant Cuttings

Preparing the cuttings:Choose vigorously growing, pest- and disease-free goldfish plant stems as cuttings. The cuttings are generally 10-15 cm long, and you should make sure the cuttings have 2-3 nodes. After cutting, place them in a cool, ventilated place to let the wounds dry, which takes about 2-3 days, until the wounds have healed.

Preparing the medium: The choice of rooting medium also has an important effect on the rooting of the cuttings. An ideal medium should have good air permeability and water retention. Commonly used media include a mixture of vermiculite, perlite and coconut coir, or you can choose a mixture of peat soil, perlite and coconut coir. The medium must be clean, free of pests and diseases, and free of odour. Before use, you can expose it to sunlight or disinfect it with a fungicide.

The cutting operation: Insert the dried cuttings into the prepared medium to a depth of about 1/3 of the cutting length. After inserting, gently press the medium down so that the cuttings are in close contact with the medium. Then water thoroughly and place the potted goldfish plant cuttings in a cool, ventilated place for care.

Aftercare for Goldfish Plant Cuttings

Keep it moist: After cutting, the goldfish plant needs the medium kept moist, but not overly wet, to avoid the cuttings rotting. Generally, watering once every 2-3 days is sufficient. When watering, observe the moisture level of the medium and avoid waterlogging.

Moderate shading: After cutting, the goldfish plant needs to avoid direct sunlight so the cuttings do not lose too much water and die. Therefore, during care, place it in a cool, ventilated place with moderate shading.

Maintain the temperature: After cutting, the goldfish plant needs a suitable temperature to root smoothly. Generally speaking, keeping the room temperature between 20-25 degrees is most suitable. If the temperature is too low or too high, it will affect the rooting speed and survival rate of the cuttings.

Ventilation and air flow: A well-ventilated, airy environment is good for the rooting and growth of the cuttings. Therefore, during care, keep the room ventilated and airy, and avoid keeping it sealed for long periods, which can make the air stale and affect the growth of the cuttings.

Propagating goldfish plant from cuttings is a simple and efficient propagation method. When taking cuttings, choose a suitable time (spring 3~5 months or autumn 9~11 months), healthy cuttings and a good medium. At the same time, during the aftercare after cutting, pay attention to keeping the medium moist, providing moderate shading, maintaining a suitable temperature and ensuring ventilation and air flow, so as to ensure the cuttings root and grow smoothly.