Scientific Name
Columnea minor (Hook.) Hanst.
Common Name(s)
Goldfish Plant
Synonym(s)
Columnea bullata, Columnea elegans, Columnea major, Columnea martiana, Columnea teuscheri, Ortholoma clarum, Ortholoma minor, Ortholoma tropicale, Trichantha bullata, Trichantha clara, Trichantha elegans, Trichantha major, Trichantha minor, Trichantha teuscheri, Trichantha tropicalis
Scientific Classification
Family: Gesneriaceae
Genus: Columnea
Flower
Color: Yellow, purple, and red
Bloom Time: Midsummer to mid-fall
Description
Columnea minor is a beautiful exotic epiphytic flowering plant. It is a highly variable species characterized by thin, wiry, trailing, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long stems and unusual flower with a yellow face, purple tube, and feathery red calyx.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 12b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 60 °F (15.6 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Columnea plants like plenty of humidity. If the plant is in a regular pot, you can place a saucer full of pebbles under the pot and put water in it. As the water evaporates, it creates a high humidity spot for the plant. Do not let the water touch the Goldfish Plant's pot, however. If it is in a hanging basket, mist the leaves daily to keep them happy. Use room temperature water as cold water will cause brown spots on the leaves.
Fertilize weekly during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer with lots of Phosphorus to encourage blooming. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Use good well-draining potting soil when potting these plants. Columnea plants seem to do better when slightly root-bound and produce better flowers in this condition. Every two to three years, repot the plant in a pot one size up from the one it is in. Gently trim the roots to encourage new root growth. Place the plant in fresh potting soil when repotting for maximum success. Ensure the pot you choose has drainage holes to prevent root rot in the plant from poor drainage.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a Goldfish Plant (Columnea gloriosa).
Origin
This species is native to Ecuador.
Links
- Back to genus Columnea
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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