Goldfish plant blooming... in December?

[NC_Palms]

I have a potted goldfish plant that has never bloomed all summer but now I noticed little buds around it. I am surprised since we've already gotten below 32ºF and it has remained untouched.

  

[PalmatierMeg]

This may be a plant that prefers cooler weather. I bought a hanging pot of it in early spring at a local nursery some years back. By the end of our sweltering summer it had melted away as I kept it strictly outdoors. It probably wanted the heat relief of cool/chilly nights, which it never got here in summer. It irks me when local plant sellers insist on peddling climatically unsuitable plants (african violets, azaleas, hydrangeas etc.). I've started checking out everything unfamiliar on the smart phone before I consider buying.

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, PalmatierMeg said:

This may be a plant that prefers cooler weather. I bought a hanging pot of it in early spring at a local nursery some years back. By the end of our sweltering summer it had melted away as I kept it strictly outdoors. It probably wanted the heat relief of cool/chilly nights, which it never got here in summer. It irks me when local plant sellers insist on peddling climatically unsuitable plants (african violets, azaleas, hydrangeas etc.). I've started checking out everything unfamiliar on the smart phone before I consider buying.

^ See the same things in the big box stores locally here also, especially in the spring ( Azaleas, Hydrangeas,  etc stuff that won't make it past mid May here. ) 

Regarding Goldfish plants, and related, its been awhile since i've grown some but if i remember correctly, some Genus / species, like African Violets, Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus)  several Sinningia, and Nematanthus ( "the" Goldfish Plant) do prefer / originate in areas with cooler temps ( still warm, but not sweltering ), and / or can tolerate some cold exposure, Vs. other stuff like some of the Lipsticks (Aeschynanthus) and "Flying Fish" Plants ( Columnea ) which, again if i remember right, may tolerate more sweaty heat and are less cold tolerant. Saying that, i don't think i myself would gamble with exposing that Goldfish to anything lower than what you have..  Give it filtered bright light, but no direct sun.. 

 

[NC_Palms]

I'm surprised that buds and flowers never died yet. The coldest night we had was 26ºF. If I recall, I think this plant is a zone 10b/11a plant.