How to Care for the Nematanthus Gregarius Gold Fish Plant

Grow your goldfish plant in the filtered sunlight of a south-facing window. Light levels that are too low will prevent the goldfish plant from blooming. In the far north, put a grow light near the plant and keep it on at least 12 hours a day. In tropical areas where no danger of frost exists, grow the goldfish plant in partial shade.

Maintain ambient daytime room temperatures above 65 degrees F and no cooler than 55 degrees at night. These are minimum temperatures; goldfish plant prefers hot weather.

Water your goldfish plant when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, approximately twice a week. Water thoroughly so the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Provide extra humidity indoors by running an electric humidifier in the room the goldfish plant is growing in. Although misting is beneficial, it does not provide the consistent high levels of humidity that the goldfish plant needs to thrive.

Fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble plant food mixed following the manufacturer's label directions. Do not feed the goldfish plant during the winter months, unless the new leaves grow in small and the color seems faded. In this case, give the plant a dose of the water-soluble plant food mixed at half the manufacturer's recommended strength. Resume feeding with full-strength solution when more active and robust growth begins or when the days lengthen in late winter.

Plant goldfish plant in a rich, fertile, well-draining soil that retains moisture. A commercial potting soil specially mixed for African violets works well for the goldfish plant. It will even grow in a soilless potting mix, especially when grown as an indoor potted plant.