Grow Goldfish Plant This Way for Glossy Green Leaves and Easy Blooms That Fill the Pot

Goldfish plant, also known as goldfish flower or kangaroo flower, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant in the family Gesneriaceae, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Its flowers are orange-red, and the swollen corolla resembles little swimming goldfish; paired with its evergreen foliage, it is highly ornamental and is often used as a hanging potted plant to decorate balconies and indoor spaces.

The goldfish plant has slender, soft stems that trail naturally downward, and its leaves are small, thick, and glossy on the surface. A well-cared-for plant has many branches, and when it blooms, the whole pot is dotted with orange flowers among the green leaves, looking very festive. Related varieties on the market differ slightly in flower color and leaf shape, but their overall habits are similar, and all are suitable for home cultivation.

For care, the goldfish plant likes a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light; it dislikes strong direct sun and cold, so in winter you should keep it warm and reduce watering. The soil should be loose, breathable, and well-draining leaf mold or peat mixed with perlite. During the growing season, keep the potting soil slightly moist but not waterlogged, apply dilute fertilizer frequently, and prune the branches appropriately after flowering to encourage branching and the next bloom. Propagation is mostly done by stem cuttings, which root fairly easily.

Many growers report that their goldfish plant only grows leaves and does not bloom, which is mostly caused by insufficient light, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or unsuitable temperatures. Place the plant in a bright spot, control water somewhat, and supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to encourage flowering more easily. Pay attention to ventilation at ordinary times and avoid the potting soil staying wet for long periods, and you can reduce problems with leaf drop and root rot, growing the goldfish plant with lush branches and a pot full of flowers.