Columnea hirta
aka
Goldfish Plant
Taxonomy
Columnea hirta is a species of flowering plants in the genus Columnea, native to Mexico, Central America, Costa Rica, and Panama. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. This trailing subshrub has hairy stems and densely hairy leaves that can grow up to 4cm long. During the summer, it produces beautiful tubular orange-red flowers that are approximately 7cm long. Columnea hirta is a great choice for a houseplant, especially for hanging baskets or placed on top of a shelf where it can trail down.
A stunning variety of Columnea hirta is 'Light Prince', which is a variegated form of the species. Imported from Holland, this cultivar features dark red hairy stems and oblong leaves with variegated light green and white colors. The growth habit of 'Light Prince' is trailing yet compact. The flowers of this variety are orange-red with a yellow throat, providing an extra treat to the already gorgeous foliage. Like many Gesneriads, it is important to keep this plant away from cold drafts and water it with room temperature water.
Common names
Goldfish Plant, Dancing Dolphin, Hairy Columnea
How to care for Goldfish Plant
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Goldfish Plant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Goldfish Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
To ensure optimal growth, the Goldfish Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
