Genus guide
Columnea — 33 species
Part of the African violets & gesneriads family (Gesneriaceae)
Columnea, commonly called the goldfish plant, is a genus of trailing epiphytic herbs and shrubs native to tropical America, prized indoors for their vivid tubular flowers — orange, red, or yellow — that resemble leaping fish. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need watering only when the top inch of soil dries out, as their epiphytic roots are highly rot-prone. High humidity of at least 50% is essential. According to the ASPCA, goldfish plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for pet-friendly homes.
All Columnea species we cover
- Bolivian Columnea
- Carnival goldfish plant
- Columnea
- Columnea 'Aladdin's Lamp'
- Columnea 'Inferno'
- Columnea 'Light Prince'
- Columnea 'Robin'
- Columnea hirta
- Columnea linearis
- Columnea microphylla
- Costa Rican Goldfish Vine
- Early Bird goldfish plant
- Even-stamen Columnea
- Florida Columnea
- Glorious Columnea
- Kucyniak's Columnea
- Kucynjak's Columnea
- Light Prince Goldfish Plant
- Magnificent Columnea
- Nicaraguan Columnea
- Oersted's Columnea
- orientandina goldfish plant
- Painted Columnea
- Puerto Rican Columnea
- Related Columnea
- Rough Columnea
- Scaly-stem Columnea
- Schiede's goldfish plant
- Sharp-leaf Columnea
- Short-stalk Columnea
- Silver Goldfish Plant
- slender goldfish plant
- Tiny-calyx Columnea
Columnea — frequently asked questions
Are Columnea plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Columnea are pet-safe. Of the 33 Columnea species we cover, 33 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 0 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Columnea plants need?
Most Columnea do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Columnea easy to care for?
Columnea are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Columnea varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 33 Columnea species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Columnea, the rest follow closely.
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