Hello!

I'm new to this site and to gardening in general. 3 months ago I purchased a 3-inch goldfish plant and have had a hard time getting it to bloom. The first day I got it, the leaves were shiny and healthy. A few weeks later, my husband accidentally overwatered it without realizing and the next day it had some fungus growing around it. From what I've read, this plant should NOT be watered and instead be misted with warm water as it requires humidity to flourish. I've been able to get rid of the fungus but still haven't had luck with it blooming.

As you can see from the picture, for the most part I've kept the plant near the window but not on the sill, so it's not getting direct sunlight. However, two weeks ago it was particularly nice out and I put it on the sill for 3 hours. After those 3 hours, it started to get this sagging look and since then I haven't been able to get it looking perky and healthy again.

A few other things you might need to know...

I mist the plant lightly every other day or so. I set my home thermostat at 68 (from what I've read so far, the plant likes 65-75 degree weather). I live in Boston and with it being early spring, it's been a little dry here lately, but very sunny. The table I keep the plant on is in the general vicinity of a heating vent, which I think may be part of the problem. I also dont think the soil is very high quality.

Any insight you may be able to provide would be much appreciated for this indoor plant novice!!! Thanks everyone.

Kristen

Welcome to NGA!

I don't know a lot about lipstick plants but I'll try. I'm not sure what misting instead of watering will do for your plant. I suspect evenly moist but not soaked is what would make it happy. If you can't feel moisture an inch down, water.

Bright indirect light. No airconditioning blasting on it. It needs to be rootbound to bloom or its just not old enough.

My recommendations are: more light, more water, more patience.

Others will be here shortly to correct my thoughts.

Daisy

Hi Daisy!

Thank you so much for your great advice! I wasn't really feeling like misting was doing much for the plant, but I also was afraid of overwatering. I ended up moving the plant closer to the window so it could get a little more sun. I started watering lightly and realized it was just not enough - so 3 days ago I watered it more and now it is looking great!!!! It is looking more and more like the first day I bought it - it's really a beautiful plant - when healthy, the leaves are dark and shiny. I'm hoping now that it's "rehabilitating", it will be able to bloom one day soon! I will try to get a picture up here soon for you.

I'll keep you posted if you're interested and once again I appreciate your advice/help!!!

Kristen

Great! Yes, we love photos of success stories. BTW, all misting has ever accomplished is ruining a lot of furniture.

Daisy