A vigorous trailer, Columnea hirta looks delightful in hanging baskets. Its long, trailing stems are accented with ever-blooming, unscented, vibrant flowers. The yellow, orange, and red colors of this plant’s flowers have earned it the nicknames “goldfish plant” and “lipstick plant.” A tropical variety, it makes an excellent houseplant. The variegated leaves are green and white on hanging stems. This plant prefers regular watering, steady temperature, humid conditions, and bright shade to shade.  Soil should be well-drained. In the wild, this is a favorite of hummingbirds and pollinators.

Columnea hirta is native to the American tropics, including eastern Mexico.