A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 Goldfish Plant

I just received a goldfish plant. I know the basic care, but does anyone know anything else I can use?

I have a goldfish plant. It is hanging in the west window. It likes bright light, but not direct light. It also likes frequent misting. I thouroughly water it once a week. In the winter I don't water it very much at all. This past spring it was loaded with blooms. After it quit blooming I cut it back and used rooting hormone and put the cuttings back into the pot. I think they are beautiful when in bloom. Good luck with your plant!

THANK YOU!!!!

You are welcome! If you notice spots on the leaves (kind of an orange color) you are misting too much. I learned that one the hard way!

Thanks again. What do you know about pale spots on lipstick plants. My same friend has a lipstick plant I told her it could be from not enough fertilizer, mine sometimes does that. So what do you think?

For a Goldfish plant (Nematanthus ‘Tropicana" formerly Hypocyrta) to bloom well in the warmer months this plant needs a rest period in the cooler months. From November through March do not fertilize, keep temps on the cool side, and water just enough to keep the plant from wilting, allowing the soil to become quite dry. Growth will be minimal and there will be no flowers during this rest period.

In April, resume normal watering, keeping the soil moist, and fertilize monthly at half strength. It must be in a sunny window (south or west) to thrive. Expect flowers from July-September. Prune long stems back to within a few inches of the soil to keep the plant full and bushy.

I haven't experienced spots on my lipstick plant. I have not even fertilized it at all. I did cut it back and use root stimulator on the cuttings and inserted the cuttings back into the pot. My plant was getting pretty long.

My daughter got a goldfish plant - it died off quickly but I don't think she was paying much attention to it.

She did try to re-pot the pieces, but not much happened.

It was very pretty when she got it.

I used to have goldfish plants, 4 of them. In summer, they got hung out in the shade area of the yard, and did great. Just remember to bring them in when it starts getting chilly out.
Darlene

Thank you everyone. I will try all of the great ideas. Thank you Will, hey are you guys all geniuses or what?!
~Celena

I can only speak for myself, but yes I am a genius. My IQ is nearly as high as my zone!

I believe it! What zone might this be? 2? I am just kidding. Thanks for the help though.

2? That's outrageous My zone and IQ are 5!!!

I was teasing!

I understand, Celena. So was I. At least I think I was! Haven't had my IQ checked lately.

Perhaps, you should, cause you know what? I bet I'm right. We'll both check and see what happens.
~Celena

If you are right about my IQ being a 2, then you are dealing with a sub-human!