Columnea hirta variegata

This epiphytic, trailing plant descends from the Gesneriad family and originates from the rainforests of Central and South America. The Columnea hirta variegata has small, waxy foliage that is light green in colour with splashes of cream around the edges. Bright orange/yellow tubular shaped flowers emerge from along the stems during spring-summer. These flowers joyfully resemble goldfish, hence its common name 'Goldfish Plant'! These hardy plants are perfect for hanging baskets, preferring an aeriated but moisture retentive growing substrate. As they naturally receive nutrients and water from runoff on trees and decomposing leaf litter, they prefer and thrive in free draining mixes. 

PLEASE NOTE:
All pictures are of plants currently for sale or previously sold at The Tropic Gardener. The plant photographed should be used as an indication of size and quality only and may not be the exact plant you receive. Form and colour will vary slightly.

CARE:
Prefers a warm, humid position with bright indirect light but will also tolerate more shaded positions. Use a well-draining, nutrient rich and aerated growing mix. The selected growing media should retain moisture but allow for excess water to drain, as to avoid issues such as root rot. Fertilise throughout spring and summer with a half strength fertiliser. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil in the pot dries out.