The Best Goldfish Plant Care Guide for Healthy Growth

Goldfish plants often face many common issues, such as root rot, leggy growth, yellow or brown leaves, and wilting. 

On Reddit, one user shared a similar problem: “My goldfish plant began drooping after being repotted from a pot without drainage, and some leaves darkened and fell despite healthy new shoots."

Are you facing the same issues? Worry not! This guide will help you fix them. We will discuss everything in detail, from lighting, watering, and soil to pruning, propagation, and dealing with pests or diseases, so your Goldfish Plant stays lush, healthy, and blooming all year round. Let’s dig in!

Quick Glance at Goldfish Plant:

The Goldfish Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, moderate watering, and temperatures of 16–24°C (60–75°F). Maintain 50–60% humidity and use a well-draining soil. Fertilize in summer and spring, and prune regularly. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, and check for pests like mealybugs to keep your plant healthy.

A Quick Table for Goldfish Plant  

Have a look at the table for a quick overview of the Goldfish Plant.  

Part 1. How to Take Care of a Goldfish Plant Like a Pro? 

Your Goldfish plant needs indirect, bright light, the proper watering routine, and a moderate temperature ranging from 16-24°C. Have a look at the optimal conditions in depth for the best Goldfish Plant care. 

1. Light and Placement Requirements

Place your Goldfish Plant in an area with bright and indirect light. This will help it maintain healthy foliage and encourage vibrant blooms. Don’t place your plant in low-light areas or spaces that get direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Best Placement Tips 

1. Place your plant 1-2 feet away from an east-or west-facing window with filtered light (Ideal position).
2. Position it near a South-facing window, 3-5 feet away, and use a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sunshine.
3. Put it in an indirect and bright light, 4-6 hours a day.

Quick Tip: Need help assessing light requirements? Read the plant light guide. 

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2. Watering Needs

Water your Goldfish Plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but never soggy. If the soil becomes waterlogged, stop watering until the top 2–3 inches dry out. 

Use distilled or filtered water to prevent the buildup of salts and minerals found in tap water. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and lead to the plant’s decline.

Pro Tip: If you need help nailing your watering routine? Check this indoor plant watering guide for more details. 

3. Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Your Goldfish Plant

The Goldfish Plant thrives in warm and moderately humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60-75°F (16-24°C). Avoid placing your plant in colder conditions, as your plant will struggle and may drop leaves.

Quick Temperature and Humidity Care Tips

• Keep the temperature above 60°F or 16°C to prevent stress, leaf drop, and slowed growth.
• Maintain a humidity level of around 50-60% to keep the plant thriving.
• Place a tray of water near your plant or use a humidifier to maintain the desired humidity levels.
• Avoid sudden fluctuations and drafts in humidity and temperature to prevent stress and hinder its growth.

Part 2. What Soil Works Best for Your Goldfish Plant? 

Use a well-draining potting mix that keeps some moisture for the thriving growth of your Goldfish plant. A mixture of perlite, peat moss, and potting soil offers the ideal growing medium. Avoid using soils or heavy clay that tend to stay waterlogged, as it can cause root rot and other plant diseases. 

Choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid water from collecting at the bottom, which can also result in root rot. The Goldfish Plant prefers loose potting medium. So don't pack it down. 

Moreover, add a layer of mulch on top of the soil of your plant. It will help maintain moisture and regulate temperature, creating an ideal environment for your plant.

Part 3. A Complete Fertilization Guide for Goldfish Plant

A Goldfish plant normally needs regular fertilization during the spring and summer growing seasons. It prefers a balanced fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formulation, because it ensures the plant gets an equal mix of essential nutrients.

During the summer season, fertilize your plant bi-weekly for lush growth. In contrast, reduce or stop fertilization during the fall or winter when growth stops.

Step-by-Step Fertilization Technique 

• Step 1: The first step is to water your plant before adding fertilizer to avoid root burn.
• Step 2: Now, make a solution with your fertilizer by diluting it using the recommended procedure as indicated on the fertilizer label.
• Step 3: Then, water to cover the soil evenly. Do not come in contact with the leaves to avoid possible leaf burn.
• Step 4: Make sure the soil is sufficiently moist with water and drains excess water.
• Step 5: Continue this routine systematically and observe the reaction of the plant. Change the concentration (or frequency), where necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fertilizing 

• Avoid over-fertilizing your plant as it can lead to root burn, causing stunted growth and yellow leaves.
• Don’t use the wrong fertilizer formulation to avoid excessive foliage growth with sparse blooming.
• Avoid using improperly diluted fertilizers, as they can cause nutrient imbalances.

To learn more about choosing the right plant food, check out this indoor plant fertilizer buying guide for detailed tips on formulations and proper usage.

Part 4. How to Propagate Goldfish Plant for More Blooms? 

Goldfish Plant propagates effectively from stem-tip cuttings in the spring and early summer. During such seasons, the temperature is warm, and the levels of light favor root development of stem cuttings. Here are the simple steps for propagating the indoor Goldfish Plant.

Step 1: Choose Non-Flowering Stem Tips

Choose non-flowering stem tips, approximately 2-3 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves.

Step 2: Use Rooting Hormone for Better Growth

Make a clear cut just below a leaf node with sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors. Then, dip the stem tips into a rooting hormone to increase your odds of success.

Step 3: Place Cuttings in Fresh Water

Now, place the stem cuttings in a glass or jar filled with clean and fresh water. Set the cuttings in a warm space with some light.

Step 4: Refresh Water Regularly and Check Roots 

Refill the jar or container with clean, fresh water once per week. Check roots to emerge in 2 weeks.

Step 5: Transfer Cuttings to Potting Soil

When the cuttings have grown an extra couple of inches, transfer them to a pot with potting soil.

Step 6: Care for the New Plant 

Put newly planted cuttings into a warm, bright place and keep them humid until they develop new growth. New plants will also not flower till the next summer after propagation.

Part 5. How to Pot and Repot a Goldfish Plant? 

Potting and repotting your Goldfish Plant is essential for optimal growth. Below are the steps to ensure that your plant has enough room to thrive and remain healthy. 

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

The first step is to select a pot that is about 6–8 inches in diameter. It provides enough space for the roots to grow and allows free drainage of excess water.

Step 2: Add Potting Mix

Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix and leave space between the root ball of the plant.

Step 3: Remove Your Goldfish Plant from the Old Pot

Carefully remove your Goldfish Plant from its current pot, gently loosening the roots if necessary.

Step 4: Place the Plant in a New Pot

Take the new pot and place the plant into it. Fill the empty spaces with additional potting mix. So the plant sits at the same level as before. 

Step 5: Water Thoroughly & Repot Every 1-2 Years 

Water thoroughly to settle the soil and provide necessary hydration for the plant. Repot your Goldfish Plant every 1-2 years. The ideal season for repotting is spring, when the plant is actively growing.

Part 6. How to Prune a Goldfish Plant?

Pruning your Goldfish Plant helps it produce more blooms, promote new growth, and maintain its shape. Prune it in early spring, just before the growing season. Besides cutting yellow or dead leaves, you can also cut too-long branches. 

Here are the simple steps to prune your Goldfish Plant. 

Step 1: Inspect Plant Health and Prepare Tools 

Carefully check your Goldfish Plant to see if it has yellow leaves and any excess growth. Make sure that all the pruning tools are clean and sharp.  

Step 2: Remove Withered or Dead Leaves 

Precisely cut the brown or dried leaves at the bottom to avoid tearing, which can cause disease. 

Step 3: Note Overgrowth and Cut Leaf Nodes 

Check the overgrown or uneven areas of your Goldfish Plant. Trace stems for healthy growth with two leaf nodes. Make a clear cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Step 4: Evenly Shape the Plant & Clear Trash 

Even cutting can keep a natural shape. Take cuttings out of the ground to prevent disease and to keep the area beneath the plant clean. 

Step 5: Water the Plant After Pruning & Monitor Growth 

Water thoroughly to reduce stress to plants. Watch the plant’s recovery, adjust light and water as needed.

Part 7. Common Pests and Problems with Goldfish Plants and Their Solutions

Goldfish plants face pests, diseases, and care issues. Regular checks, proper watering, and ideal light prevent most problems.

Pests That Affect Goldfish Plants and Their Fix

1. Mealybugs 

The mealybug is a pest that attacks the Goldfish plant. It appears as small, white, cottony masses on the plant and sap nutrients, and weakens the plant.  This causes stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and even plant death if not controlled. 

Solution: Regularly check your Goldfish Plant to catch infestations early. Maintain a proper distance between plants to prevent the spread of mealybugs. 

2. Spider Mites 

These small arachnids are barely visible to the naked eye. However, they can cause significant damage. They sap nutrients from the leaves and cause stippled, discolored foliage and overall plant stress. They thrive in dry conditions.

Solution: To fix the spider mite problem, increase humidity levels and wash the leaves. Apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap for a few days until the infestation is removed.

3. Aphids 

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied pests that cluster on the undersides of leaves and new growth. These pests can weaken the plant as they suck sap and excrete sticky honeydew.

Solution: Prevent aphids by inspecting plants and using neem oil regularly.

Common Diseases in Goldfish Plants

Powdery Mildew 

It appears as a light deposit in the form of a white coating on the leaves of the Goldfish Plant. High humidity and poor air circulation are two of the main causes of Powdery Mildew. 

Solution: To prevent it, place your plant in a place with gentle moving air and perfect humidity. Remove affected leaves promptly to stop the spread.

Root Rot 

Overwatering or poor drainage leads to root rot. Its symptoms are wilting, yellowing leaves, and a general decline in plant overall health.

Solution: To avoid root rot, water moderately and ensure well-draining soil. Remove affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil if detected early.

Common Issues of the Goldfish Plant and Their Solution

Overwatering  

Overwatering in Goldfish plants causes root rot and soggy soil. It results in yellowing leaves, wilting, and reduced blooming. 

Solution: To fix the overwatering issue, ensure proper drainage and let the topsoil dry before watering again.

Leggy Leaves

Sudden fluctuations in drafts, temperature, or watering mistakes cause leggy leaves. 

Solution: Maintain a consistent environment to avoid plant stress.

Browning Leaves 

In goldfish plants, browning leaves come from low humidity, harsh sun, or irregular watering. 

Solution: Raise humidity, give indirect light, and water consistently.

Fading Flower Color 

If the plant does not receive enough light, the flower color can start fading. 

Solution: Place your goldfish plant in indirect, bright light to restore flower color.

Wilting 

Wilting may be the result of overwatering or underwatering. 

Solution: Monitor the moisture level of the soil to figure out the cause and adjust your watering schedule.

Part 8. Is the Goldfish Plant Safe for Pets and Humans? 

Yes! A Goldfish Plant is non-toxic and safe for both humans and pets. According to the ASPCA, these plants are not poisonous to cats or dogs. However, they are not meant to be eaten.

If a dog, cat, or child consumes any part of the plant, it causes mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. To be safe, keep your Goldfish Plant out of reach of pets and children.

Conclusion 

A Goldfish plant is easy to care for once you know all its needs properly. Place your plant in indirect, bright sunlight, water the plant as the topsoil dries out, and maintain a humidity level of 50-60%. Prune and propagate your plant, and repot when required.

Keep an eye on pests to ensure your plant stays healthy and growing. Your plant will bloom beautifully with proper care. Want to add one to your home? Visit MyGreenScape to get a healthy Goldfish Plant and expert care tips. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you care for a goldfish plant in winter? 

The Goldfish Plant requires less watering, higher humidity, and a temperature adjustment during winter. Don’t put your plant in the cold or front of a draft. Allow it to nearly dry out before watering the soil.

How long does a Goldfish Plant live? 

With proper care, a Goldfish Plant lives many years, typically 3-5 or more, and possibly up to 10 or more. Their lifespan depends on such factors as light, humidity, watering, soil, and general health.

Are Goldfish Plants indoor or outdoor? 

Goldfish plants are mainly indoors. This plant is not well-suited to endure cold and thrives well when the climate is constantly warm and moist. 

How many times a year does a Goldfish Plant bloom?

A Goldfish plant blooms multiple times throughout the year, primarily during spring and summer. But it can even bloom in fall and winter under ideal conditions. 

Why is my Goldfish Plant not blooming?

When a Goldfish plant fails to bloom, it happens because of a lack of light, improper watering, or a lack of humidity. Adjust these factors, ensure adequate fertilization and repotting to encourage blooming.