''Columnea gloriosa'' is commonly known as the goldfish plant (a name it shares with a number of other species), because of the fish shaped flowers it produces. It falls into the genus ''

Columnea ''Columnea'' is a genus of around 200 species of epiphytic herbs and shrubs in the family Gesneriaceae, native to the tropics of the Americas and the Caribbean. The tubular or oddly shaped flowers are usually large and brightly colored – us ...

''. Also known as a cousin to

African violet ''Streptocarpus'' sect. ''Saintpaulia'' is a section within '' Streptocarpus'' subgenus ''Streptocarpella'' consisting of about ten species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent so ...

s. This plant is in the family

Gesneriaceae Gesneriaceae, the gesneriad family, is a family of flowering plants consisting of about 152 genera and ca. 3,540 species in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World (almost all Didymocarpoideae) and the New World (most Gesnerioideae), with ...

. Some authorities have it as a synonym of '' Columnea microcalyx''. Origins are from Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Description

''Columnea gloriosa'' is known for the red long tubular shaped flowers appearing like leaping fish. Oblanceolate leaves with reddish hairs that help distinguish them from other hybrids. A mature plant will grow cascading stems up to 3 feet in length which work well in a hanging basket. If conditions are right this plant will produce many blooms along the stem if supplied with the right nutrients. This hybrid prefers high indirect light with constant moisture during growing season, allow ample time to dry out between watering. Keep in humid conditions to keep bottom leaves from falling off, and temperatures above 65 °F.

References

gloriosa {{Gesneriaceae-stub