Goldfish plants are a type of aquarium plant named for their resemblance to the goldfish. They come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and green. Goldfish plants grow best in moderate to bright light and can be used to create a lush background in an aquarium. This article will explore the different goldfish plant varieties and their care requirements.
1. Red Goldfish Plant
The Colocasia esculenta, or Red Goldfish Plant, more commonly known, is a tropical perennial native to Southeast Asia. Unlike its goldfish cousins, however, the Red Goldfish Plant is not found in water. It’s land-dwelling, preferring to reside in damp, marshy areas.
The plant gets its name from its goldfish-shaped leaves, a vibrant red color. While the plant is most commonly found in the wild, it has become a popular houseplant in recent years. Thanks to its easy care requirements and distinctive appearance, the Red Goldfish Plant is a popular choice for those looking for a little different.
Red Goldfish Plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season.
2. Orange Goldfish Plant
The Orange Goldfish Plant is a variety of the Colocasia esculenta or Red Goldfish Plant. As the name suggests, this plant gets its distinct appearance from its orange leaves.
Like the Red Goldfish Plant, the Orange Goldfish Plant is native to Southeast Asia and prefers to reside in damp, marshy areas. The plant is a popular houseplant thanks to its easy care requirements and eye-catching leaves.
Orange Goldfish Plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season.
3. Yellow Goldfish Plant
The Yellow Goldfish Plant is an eye-catching tropical plant that gets its name from its gold-tinged leaves. This plant is native to Vietnam and Thailand, where it grows in the wild near bodies of water. The Yellow Goldfish Plant is a Colocasia family member, including the popular Taro plant.
This plant grows best in wet or moist conditions, making it a great choice for gardens with a lot of rain. The Yellow Goldfish Plant can reach up to six feet in height and produces striking white flowers. This plant is also known as the Elephant Ear plant due to the shape of its large leaves.
Yellow Goldfish Plant care is relatively easy. They prefer moist, African violet soil and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season.
4. Green Goldfish Plant
The Green Goldfish Plant is an aquatic plant native to Southeast Asia. It gets its name from its large, heart-shaped, dark green leaves resembling a goldfish’s scales. The plant grows best in warm, humid climates and requires full sun to partial shade.
It can be grown in either fresh or salt water, making it a versatile plant for aqua scaping. The Green Goldfish Plant is a fast grower and can quickly reach heights of 2-3 feet, perfect for a hanging or table plant. It is also an invasive species in some areas, so it is important to check with your local gardening authorities before planting it.
Despite its potential to become invasive, the Green Goldfish Plant makes a beautiful addition to any aquarium. Its large green leaves fall to provide shelter and hiding places for fish, and its root system helps to keep the water clean. So if you’re looking for an attractive and low-maintenance plant for your pond, the Green Goldfish Plant is a great choice. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t take over your entire yard!
5. Black Goldfish Plant
The Black Goldfish Plant is a variety of the Colocasia esculenta or Red Goldfish Plant. As the name suggests, this plant gets its distinctive black leaves from a genetic mutation. The tropical plants are native to Southeast Asia and prefer to reside in damp, marshy areas.
The Black Goldfish Plant is a popular houseplant thanks to its easy care requirements and unique appearance. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil on a hanging basket and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season. The goldfish plant columnea can be propagated by division or stem tip cuttings and does best in bright, indirect light.
6. Purple Goldfish Plant
The Purple Goldfish Plant is a beautiful tropical plant that is perfect for adding a touch of color to your garden. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is related to the taro plant. The Purple Goldfish Plant has large, lobed leaves that are purple on the underside.
The flowers are white and borne on spikes that can grow up to six feet long. The Purple Goldfish Plant is a tuberous perennial and will die back in the winter. Lifting the tubers in the spring and summer and storing them in a cool, dry place over the winter is important.
The Purple Goldfish houseplants prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It likes rich potting soil and will not tolerate drought. If you are looking for a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for, the Purple Goldfish Plant is a perfect choice!
7. Blue Goldfish Plant
The Blue Goldfish Plant is a beautiful aquatic plant that is native to the tropical regions of Asia. It gets its name from its large, blue leaves resembling a goldfish’s scales. The plant is also known as the Taro plant, a popular food crop in many parts of the world.
The Blue Goldfish Plant is easy to care for and adds to any aquarium or pond. Unlike other plants, the plant prefers warm, humid conditions and should be planted on a substrate rich in organic matter. The Blue Goldfish Plant requires room-temperature water and very little maintenance allowing it to thrive in almost any environment.
If you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant for your aquarium or pond, the Blue Goldfish Plant is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Goldfish plants are a great way to add color and interest to your aquarium. There are many different varieties to choose from, so you can find the perfect plant for your needs. Just be sure to research each variety before planting it, as some ( like the Green Goldfish Plant) can become invasive in certain areas. With a little care and attention, your goldfish plant will thrive and bring beauty to your aquatic environment.
