Photo: Zac PetersonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Goldfish Plant Plant Care
Columnea domingensis (Urb.) B.D.Morley
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant red tubular flowers that hang down like little lanterns, this plant originates from the cloud forests of the Dominican Republic. Plant collectors are drawn to the unique and eye-catching blooms of the Columnea domingensis, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Goldfish Plant?
Water Goldfish Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Goldfish Plant Native To?
What Is the Goldfish Plant?
Goldfish Plant (Columnea domingensis) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Columnea genus. Goldfish Plant is native to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Goldfish Plant displays a trailing, vine-like habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Goldfish Plant produces tubular, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Goldfish Plant?
Columnea domingensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Goldfish Plant Need?
Goldfish Plant thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Goldfish Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Goldfish Plant Prefer?
Columnea domingensis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Goldfish Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Goldfish Plant?
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Goldfish Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Goldfish Plant?
Feed Goldfish Plant every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Goldfish Plant?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide space for growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Goldfish Plant?
Goldfish Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to goldfish plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Goldfish Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Goldfish Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Goldfish Plant?
Goldfish Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Goldfish Plant Need?
Goldfish Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Goldfish Plant is native to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In cooler regions, grow Goldfish Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Goldfish Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Columnea genus — compare its care with other Columnea species on PlantoScan.
Columnea is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Goldfish Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Columnea Species
Other Columnea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Columnea domingensis (Urb.) B.D.Morley, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., B 72(24): 412 (1974)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Goldfish Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Zac Peterson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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