Goldfish Plant Care: Why You Shouldn't Repot

Keep Your Goldfish Plant Root-Bound for Better Blooms

Goldfish plants (Nematanthus) actually prefer being slightly root-bound. Repotting into a larger container often reduces flowering because the plant directs energy toward root growth instead of blooms. If your plant is healthy and blooming, leave it in its current pot.

Propagation Tip

Want more plants? Take stem cuttings, remove the lower two leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (available at garden centers), and insert several cuttings into a fresh pot of moist potting mix. They root easily in about three weeks. The mother plant will respond by producing two side shoots for each cutting removed, making it fuller.

Key Takeaways

• Do not repot a thriving goldfish plant.
• Encourage blooming by keeping it pot-bound.
• Propagate via cuttings to expand your collection.