Introduction
One of the most striking houseplants you can grow indoors is the goldfish plant. It is beloved for its bright orange, fish-shaped blossoms and trailing vines that immediately inject color and life into any space. Whether you’re looking for a plant near me, interested in its flowers, or want to know if the this plant is poisonous to cats, this comprehensive article explores everything you need to know.
From varieties and propagation to fertilizer and indoor care, here is how you can keep your plant happy year-round.
What Is a Goldfish Plant?
The goldfish plant (Nematanthus spp.) is a flowering tropical house plant of Central and South America. It is named after the distinctive flower of the plant, which looks like miniature goldfish swimming in water. With its trailing nature, it is great for hanging baskets, shelving, and indoor planters.
It is often mistaken for the dolphin plant, but they are not even closely related species. Where the dolphin plant earns points for foliage, this plant is prized for flowers.
Popular Goldfish Plant Varieties
There are many lovely types of these plants, with slightly varied leaves and flower color:
- Nematanthus gregarius: Average orange flowers with glossy green leaves, kind of old classic
- Nematanthus wettsteinii: Leaves are smaller, with a tighter growth habit.
- Nematanthus ‘Tropicana’: Fire red-orange flowers
- Variegated goldfish: Attractive cream-edged foliage
The right variety for you will depend on whether you like the look of compact or long trailing vines for a display indoors.
Goldfish Plant Care Indoors
With simple requirements, it is simple to grow a this plant indoors. This plant likes the same type of setting as orchids and African violets.
Light Requirements
- Bright, indirect light is ideal
- Shelter from hard direct sun, which will scorch leaves
- Low light reduces flowering
Temperature & Humidity
- Ideal temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Loves the humidity; provide mists or use a pebble tray
Watering
- Water once the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Never leave roots in wet soil
- Reduce watering slightly in winter
Steady care is how to keep a plant, a flower indoors, and produce regular blooms.
Top Soil and Goldfish Plant Fertilizer
Pot in a light, free-draining potting mix. Best to use a mix formulated for epiphytic plants.
For feeding, opt for a goldfish plant fertilizer that is balanced:
Feed with liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer
Goldfish Plant Propagation Made Easy
Goldfish plant propagation is easy and rewarding, which has helped it become a houseplant staple.
How to Propagate:
- Snip a 4-6 inch stem cutting with leaves that are looking good
- Remove lower leaves
- Opt for water or wet potting mix
- Keep warm and humid
- Roots usually develop in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation is a wonderful way to share plants and expand your indoor collection.
Are Goldfish Plants Poisonous to Cats?
One of the common questions that frequently pops up in a gardener’s mind is whether these plants are toxic to cats or pets.
The goldfish plant is not toxic to cats or dogs.
And while it is generally safe, ingestion can provoke mild stomach upset. If you’re not sure, play it safe by keeping plants out of reach and consulting your vet for peace of mind. Some people look up terms like this plant poisonous or plant toxic to cats, but it’s still a pet-friendly option compared with other houseplants.
Where to Buy a Goldfish Plant
If you are looking to buy a goldfish plant, you have some choices:
- Local garden centers (search goldfish plant and your city or state or area nearby)
- Online plant shops and nurseries
- Major retailers, including Goldfish plant Bunnings (stock may differ)
- If you are wondering where to buy a goldfish plant, make sure the plant’s health and leaf color are good, as well as pest-free.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with proper treatment, you may have problems:
- Not flowering: Increase light and check the fertilizer.
- Yellow leaves: Overwatered or not enough drainage
- Leggy growth: Not enough light. When foliage is leggy, meaning it’s growing long and stretching out, it’s a sign your plant needs more light.
- Annual pruning results in a bushier plant with more flowers.
Why Grow a Goldfish Plant Indoors?
- Stunning, long-lasting flowers
- Perfect for hanging baskets
- Easy propagation
- Safe for most pets
- Ideal for beginners and collectors
Whether you’re adding life to your home or growing your indoor jungle, the goldfish plant provides beauty for little effort.
Conclusion
The goldfish plant is a show-stopping bloom-maker indoors, part tropical and easy-care all at the same time. If you have the right light and some suitable plant fertilizer, these easy propagation techniques will give you blooms to enjoy from year to year. If you’ve been looking for an unusual, pet-friendly houseplant, the plant might be right up your alley.
Take one home today, and they’ll be sure to just swim around rooms with its golden blooms.
FAQs
Are goldfish plants sun or shade?
These plants need bright, indirect light. Their leaves can be scorched by too much direct sun, and the plants may not produce as many blossoms in too much shade. Place them near an east- or north-facing window.
Are goldfish plants difficult to care for?
No, these plants are not difficult to grow, even for beginners. And with the proper light, moderate watering, good drainage, and regular feeding, they make ideal houseplants that are easy to maintain.
Are goldfish plants indoor or outdoor plants?
Yes, the plant is normally a houseplant. It flourishes in a warm, controlled indoor environment, suited for homes, offices, and apartments.
How many times do goldfish plants bloom a year?
A healthy plant can produce multiple blooms a year, flowering from spring into fall. Given full sun and good fertilizer, it can bloom nearly nonstop.
