How to Care for a Goldfish Plant
The goldfish plant, Nematanthus wettsteinii, has bright orange flowers with shiny green foliage. The flowers resemble goldfish, hence the name. Care instructions for the plant are similar to those for African violets. Goldfish plant thrives in high humidity and bright sunshine. Beginners may want to avoid this plant because it is susceptible to overwatering. Make sure the soil your nematanthus is planted in has good drainage or the plant may develop root rot. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle
- Fertilizer
- Sphagnum moss
- Vermiculite
- Perlite
- African violet potting soil
Instructions
-
-
1
Set the plant in an east- or south-facing window where it will get plenty of bright light without being exposed directly to the sun. If the plant isn't getting enough light, the leaves will curl. Move the plant to a brighter location.
-
2
Keep the humidity high. Fill a spray bottle with water and mist the plant daily.
-
-
3
Fertilize the plant weekly with a water-soluble fertilizer that does not contain lime. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
-
4
Avoid putting the plant where it will be subjected to drafts and keep the temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
5
Maintain the moisture content in the plant's soil. During the growing season, keep the soil uniformly moist. When the plant is not actively growing, let the soil dry out between waterings. Black spots on the leaves mean that you're overwatering the goldfish plant.
-
6
Repot the plant if it starts to struggle. The soil may be too dense, and the plant might be suffering from root rot. Use a mixture of equal parts sphagnum moss, vermiculite and perlite, or African violet potting soil.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Sometimes goldfish plants have a resting period. If healthy leaves start to drop, cut back on the amount of water you're giving it. After a month, resume normal watering.
