The Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that resemble tiny goldfish. These blooms, often in shades of orange, red, or yellow, emerge from glossy, dark green foliage. Propagating new Goldfish Plants from cuttings is a common and effective method, allowing enthusiasts to easily expand their collection or share with others.
Preparing Goldfish Plant Cuttings
When to Take Cuttings
The best time to take Goldfish Plant cuttings is during the plant’s active growing season, in spring or early summer. Higher light and warmer temperatures encourage robust root development. Select a healthy mother plant, with vibrant foliage and no signs of pests or disease.
How to Select and Take Cuttings
Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the mother plant. Avoid stems with flower buds, as the plant’s energy would be directed towards blooming rather than rooting. Aim for cuttings approximately 4 to 6 inches long that are pliable, not woody. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a precise cut just below a leaf node, where roots readily form. Remove leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the cutting to prevent rotting in water or soil.
Rooting Goldfish Plant Cuttings
Water Rooting Method
Rooting Goldfish Plant cuttings in water is a straightforward method for monitoring root development. Place the prepared cuttings in a clean glass or container filled with room-temperature water, ensuring no leaves are submerged.
If using tap water, allow it to sit for 24 hours to help dissipate chlorine. Position the container in a location with bright, indirect light. Change the water every three to five days, or at least once a week, to replenish oxygen and prevent bacteria. Roots begin to emerge within a few weeks.
Soil Rooting Method
Rooting Goldfish Plant cuttings directly in soil can lead to stronger root systems with less transplant shock. Prepare small pots or a propagation tray with a well-draining potting mix, such as peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Goldfish Plants are epiphytes, so a light, airy mix is beneficial.
Moisten the soil slightly but avoid over-saturating it. Create a small hole in the potting mix with a finger or pencil, then insert the cutting, ensuring at least one node is buried. Firm the soil around the cutting for support. While optional, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance rooting success and speed up the process.
Caring for Cuttings During Rooting
Regardless of the rooting method chosen, providing the right conditions is important for successful rooting. Goldfish Plant cuttings thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Bright, indirect light is necessary; direct sunlight can scorch delicate cuttings. Maintaining high humidity, around 50% to 60% or higher, is also beneficial.
Achieve this by misting leaves regularly with room-temperature water or covering pots with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome to create a mini-greenhouse effect. Keep the rooting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. Signs of successful rooting include new leaf growth or resistance when gently tugged.
Planting Rooted Cuttings
Once Goldfish Plant cuttings have developed a sufficient root system, when roots are 1 to 2 inches long, they are ready for individual pots. Select a pot slightly larger than the root ball with adequate drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as one formulated for houseplants, or a mix with perlite or orchid bark for good aeration.
Place the rooted cutting into the new pot, carefully filling around the roots without damage. After planting, water the newly potted cutting generously to help the soil settle around the roots. Place the young plant in a location with bright, indirect light, similar to its rooting environment, and continue consistent care as it acclimates.