Columnea microcalyx aka Goldfish Plant

Columnea microcalyx has the common name goldfish plant. It is part of the Gesneriaceae family. Its native range starts in Chiapas, Mexico, and reaches northern Venezuela. It grows in a wet tropical climate. Kew lists it as an epiphytic subshrub. The species name refers to its small calyx. The genus name honours Fabio Colonna, who wrote about plants.

This plant has stems that arch and trail down. A crown of leaves grows above these trailing stems. Garden plants reach about 1 foot (0.3 m) tall. They spread to about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) across. The hairy leaves have a rounded, oval shape. They range in colour from green to reddish-brown. The orange-red flowers have a yellow throat. These colours stand out sharply against each other. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it as a seasonal bloomer. Its profile gives no fixed months for blooms. Hanging baskets show off the trailing stems and their flowers. This makes the plant suited to growth above eye level.

Grow it outdoors in frost-free USDA zones 11–12. Outside warm regions, grow it indoors or in a greenhouse. Keep the heat steady, at an average-to-warm level. Keep it away from cold drafts. It grows in part shade or full shade. Dappled light is best, though it also takes heavy shade. Give the roots a potting mix that drains well. The plant needs a modest level of nutrients, not rich feeding. Keep the air around it fairly humid all year.

During active growth, keep the soil moist and use tepid water. Give less water in winter and let the soil dry somewhat. Six to eight weeks of less water may help prompt blooms. Do not wet the leaves when growth has slowed. These shifts in watering follow the plant's growth cycle. They do not mean keeping the roots wet all year. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its care needs as medium.

Watch for botrytis mold, fungal leaf spots, and mosaic virus. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can cause problems too. Drafts and low humidity can make the leaves drop. Calcium buildup in the soil may turn leaves brown. These leaf problems can make the foliage display less prized. The supplied sources give no fruit, food-use, or toxicity facts for this species.