Goldfish Plant (Columnea) Care: Sun, Rootbound Blooms, Pot Limit, Epsom Salt Trigger

Sandra's goldfish plant: moved 4"→6" pot (roots out bottom). Asks: sun? prune? max size? blooms always?

Key Care Points

• Sun: Actual sun on leaves (not just bright light).
• Blooms better rootbound: Don't overpot.
• Max pot: 8" — never larger.
• Prune only if gangly (rare in good sun).
• Water carefully: Native to dry SA regions — occasional rain only. Don't overwater.
• Bloom trigger: 2 tsp Epsom salts (MgSO₄) on soil before watering if not blooming in sun. Works on African Violets too.

Flowers are cute — enjoy!