Columnea sanguinea, known commonly as the "Flying Goldfish Plant" due to its vibrant, tubular flowers, is a striking epiphyte. It has cascading stems, making it well-suited for hanging baskets or ledges where it can trail. Its glossy green leaves serve as a backdrop to red to orange flowers, which attract hummingbirds in its native habitats but offer visual interest in indoor settings. With the right conditions, this plant can produce flowers throughout the year, although its heaviest blooming period is typically in spring and summer.
This tropical species requires a warm, humid environment to mimic its natural habitat. As an epiphyte, it appreciates a well-draining medium and good airflow around its roots. When placed in indirect light and maintained at the proper humidity levels, Columnea sanguinea can thrive indoors, displaying consistent growth and vibrant blooms.
Columnea sanguinea is native to the cloud forests of Central and South America, including Colombia and Ecuador. It typically grows as an epiphyte in the understory, attached to trees where it receives dappled sunlight and high humidity. The natural environment gives it some shade tolerance but also requires it to adapt well to lower light indoors.
This plant prefers consistently moist soil but is prone to root rot if waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings, particularly in the winter months when it may experience a slower growth period. During active growth and blooming periods, it may require more frequent watering, but always ensure drainage is effective.
Bright, indirect light is ideal for Columnea sanguinea, though it can tolerate lower light levels. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may scorch the leaves, but provide ample filtered light to support blooming. South or east-facing windows are typically well-suited for this plant.
This species thrives in high humidity, ideally around 60–80%, which can be challenging in standard indoor conditions. Regular misting or a pebble tray can help raise humidity, though a humidifier is most effective. Because of its high humidity needs, it is also well-suited for terrarium environments if grown in smaller sizes.
Keep Columnea sanguinea in a warm environment with a range between 18–24°C. It does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C, so avoid placing it near draughty windows or doors during colder months. A stable temperature within the suggested range encourages consistent growth and flowering.
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All plants are sent via express courier services with DPD, UPS, Parcelforce, and Royal Mail. Choose from economy (4–5 day dispatch), standard (1–3 day dispatch), or express for guaranteed next day dispatch available at checkout for an additional cost.
Winter shipping is available during colder months and includes heat packs and thermal insulation where needed.
For full pricing and more information, visit our Help & Advice Hub here.
All plants are shipped in their plastic nursery pot unless otherwise stated.
Plant pot sizes can fluctuate +/- 1cm.
We recommend to always size up your decorative pot by 1-2cm larger than the stated plant pot size. For example if you are purchasing a 12cm plant, you should purchase a 14cm decorative pot to ensure it will fit correctly.
We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for.
Some plants such as Begonia, may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting so they are in active growth when arriving with you.
The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
If you have any questions about caring for your plants or setting up your home for success, don't hesitate to contact us.
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