They do look very similar, but lipstick plant comes from Asia – a long way away from the goldfish plant’s home! Care Nematanthus ‘Emma’ is also called miniature goldfish plant. These two genera are sometimes confused with Aeschynanthus, also known as lipstick plant. Nematanthus gregarius is a common goldfish plant species, though it’s often mispelled as Nematanthus gregarious. It’s also native to South America, particularly Brazil, but is also found in southern Mexico. The Nematanthus genus often features tubular flowers with a lower bulge. The most common ones are Columnea gloriosa and Columnea microcalyx (they’re so similar that it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart). Columnea is native to countries all over South America and has a lot of species. Goldfish plants in the Columnea genus are often called Flying Goldfish plants because their flowers are thinner and more arched, like the fish are jumping out of the water. There are some noticeable differences, which we’ll discuss, but the care requirements are the same for each genus. They’re split into two genera: Columnea and Nematanthus. Goldfish plant isn’t actually a single plant, but many different species within the Gesneriaceae family. ![]() Regardless of texture, this plant is somewhat poisonous to humans and animals. Most varieties have waxy leaves, but some are fuzzy like their cousin, the African Violet. Each stem is lined with slightly succulent, dark green leaves. Supporting the school of fish flowers are woody stems that grow to 3 feet long. While they’re uniquely beautiful, these tubular flowers sadly don’t have a notable scent. Some types have a bulge on the underside of the flower, making it even more goldfish-like. Each colorful flower has fused petals that form a bent fish shape. After planting, it only takes 6-10 weeks for red flowers to appear. However, there are some hybrids that bloom year-round. Goldfish plants typically develop flowers in the spring and summer, after which some green leaves fall off and the plant goes dormant. Once the right conditions are met, the goldfish plant likes them to be the same all year long. On the flip side, it doesn’t care to be too hot or humid. As we mentioned, it likes to be warm and is definitely not frost-hardy. When cared for properly, a goldfish plant can live to around 10 years. Because they’re self-sufficient like this, gardeners are able to swap out the trees for a hanging basket. Epiphytes get their nutrients and water from the air and rain so they aren’t parasitic. The trees are merely for supporting the plants though. Why? As it turns out, these are epiphytes! They didn’t evolve to grow in a hanging basket, garden bed, or even soil – goldfish plants naturally grow on top of other plants, usually trees. Goldfish plants are steady growers, but they can be more finicky with their care than other plants from the tropics. Well-draining African Violet or orchid mixĪphids, mealybugs, spider mites, botrytis mold, mosaic virusĪll About The Goldfish Plant A Columnea species goldfish plant in bloom. Quick Care Guide Columnea microphylla is one variety of “flying goldfish plant”. PyGanic Botanical Insecticide (Pyrethrin).Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew (Spinosad).Harris Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth With Duster.Good Products At Amazon For Growing Goldfish Plants: With so much to love, we’re excited to share how to grow goldfish plants in your own garden! Your goldfish plant will also attract hummingbirds to the yard. In an outdoor garden, you can position the plant so its stems and red-orange flowers are cascading down a rock wall (imagine how great they’d look by a pond!). The stems are trailing, so goldfish houseplants are perfect as a hanging or table plant. The colorful flowers come in shades of red, orange, yellow, and even hot pink. You’ll get a whole flame of color with these beautiful, non-aquatic “fish”. As long as you maintain the right conditions, a goldfish plant can thrive in your home garden. However, it’s easily grown as a houseplant anywhere else in the world. ![]() It’s a tropical plant, which means it only grows year-round in zones 10-11 in the United States. The goldfish plant is native to Latin America. You’ll be impressed not only with the goldfish plant’s fun appearance but also with its unique growing habits. If you had trouble keeping your pet goldfish alive, you might have more luck with the goldfish plant! This houseplant isn’t named ironically – it really does resemble tiny goldfish swimming in a sea of foliage.
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