Goldfish Plant Nematanthus gregarius
ABOUT
Commonly known as the goldfish plant, this charming houseplant is characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves that create a beautiful backdrop for its unique flowers. The blooms resemble tiny, plump goldfish, complete with a gaping mouth, hence the name. These flowers are typically a vibrant orange hue with a shimmery gloss, adding a bright pop of color to any indoor space. They dangle off the stems, almost like ornaments, and can add whimsy to the plant's overall appearance. The foliage tends to be thick and waxy, forming a bushy, cascading shape that is often favored in hanging baskets or as a trailing element in mixed displays. The plant's leaves and stems have a succulent-like quality, enabling them to store water and allowing the plant to be somewhat drought tolerant. Overall, the goldfish plant is prized for its striking floral display and the lush, dense foliage that provides year-round visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae
Synonyms
Goldfish Plant, Guppy Plant
Common names
Hypocyrta gregaria, Hypocyrta pendula.
ToxicityTo humans
Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant because it is not known to be poisonous. Therefore, the ingestion of the Goldfish plant is not expected to result in any harmful consequences for humans.
To pets
Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It is not known to cause any specific symptoms of poisoning if ingested, and it is thus considered safe around pets with no significant toxic consequences expected from ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For: Nematanthus gregarius, commonly known as goldfish plant, is relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright orange, goldfish-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves, it adds a vibrant pop of color to indoor spaces.
- Enhances Humidity: As a tropical plant, it can help to slightly increase the humidity of its immediate surroundings.
- Mental Well-being: Keeping plants like the goldfish plant has been associated with reduced stress and increased feelings of calm and relaxation.
- Long Blooming Period: The goldfish plant typically has a lengthy blooming cycle, often flowering multiple times throughout the year.
- Pet-Friendly: Nematanthus gregarius is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe addition to pet owners' homes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nematanthus gregarius, commonly known as goldfish plant, can be employed as a living festive decoration during the holiday season because its brightly colored flowers resemble small, cheerful ornaments.
- The goldfish plant's vining nature makes it suitable for creating intricate topiaries in indoor gardens, providing a unique aesthetic to plant enthusiasts.
- Due to its ability to thrive in high humidity, the goldfish plant can be used in terrariums, adding a vibrant pop of color and a sense of depth with its cascading growth.
- In educational settings, the goldfish plant can serve as an example of epiphytic growth habits for biology students studying different plant adaptations.
- As part of a sensory garden, the goldfish plant contributes a visual interest with its bright, waxy flowers that can be used to stimulate visual perception.
- The goldfish plant can be used in hanging baskets in small living spaces, such as apartments or offices, to create a focal point and add a feeling of coziness.
- In floral arrangements, the branches of the goldfish plant can be used as a live complement to cut flowers, adding longevity and visual interest to the composition.
- For hobbyist photographers, the unique shape and vivid color of the goldfish plant's blooms provide an excellent subject for practicing macro photography skills.
- As a teaching tool for children, caring for a goldfish plant can help instill responsibility and an appreciation for nature as they learn about plant care and growth cycles.
- The goldfish plant can be incorporated into a miniature fairy garden, where its whimsical flower shape can simulate exotic, imaginary flora in a fantastical landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Goldfish Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Goldfish Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Nematanthus gregarius, commonly known as Goldfish Plant, can symbolize resilience as it thrives indoors with minimal care, representing the ability to endure challenging conditions and still flourish.
- Joy and vibrancy: Its bright orange, goldfish-like flowers can represent joy and positivity, infusing a lively energy into any space and symbolizing happiness in domestic life.
- Protection and safety: As a robust houseplant that's easy to care for, the Goldfish Plant may symbolize a safe and protected environment, much like the sheltered comfort of a home.
- Abundance: With its prolific flowering habit, the Goldfish Plant can symbolize abundance and wealth, suggesting that the nurturing of talents and resources can lead to prosperous outcomes.
WaterThe Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) should be watered regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Aim to water every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. When watering, use lukewarm water and thoroughly soak the soil until water runs through the drainage holes of the pot. In terms of amount, this typically means using about 16 to 32 ounces for a medium-sized pot during each watering session, adjusted based on the size of your plant and pot.
LightGoldfish Plant thrives best in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window where the plant can get plenty of light without the harsh midday sun is ideal. If the light is too low, the plant might not produce its characteristic blooms.
TemperatureThe Goldfish Plant prefers a warm environment and does well in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F as it can be detrimental to the plant's health. Avoid placing the plant in drafty areas or near sources of extreme cold or heat.
PruningPruning the Goldfish Plant is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. It is best to prune in the spring, cutting back any leggy stems or overgrowth. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed to remove dead or yellowing leaves and promote healthy, bushy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) would be a well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging from 6.1 to 7.5.
RepottingGoldfish plants should be repotted every two years or when the roots outgrow their current pot. It is best to repot in spring, at the beginning of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingGoldfish plants require high humidity conditions, ideally between 40% and 60%, to thrive. They benefit from regular misting or a pebble tray to maintain adequate moisture in the air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Goldfish plant, use bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Outdoor
Place Goldfish plant in shade with ample humidity.
Hardiness zone
11-12 USDA
Life cycleNematanthus gregarius, commonly known as Goldfish Plant, starts its life cycle with seed germination, typically requiring warm temperatures and consistent moisture to sprout. The seedlings then grow into juvenile plants, developing a set of true leaves and beginning the process of photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it invests energy into growing stems and leaves, during which its distinctive thick, waxy foliage becomes more pronounced and ready for photosynthesis at an increased rate. The Goldfish Plant eventually reaches the flowering stage when it's mature enough, often within a year, producing bright orange-red, pouch-like flowers that resemble leaping goldfish, primarily in the spring and summer months. After pollination, assuming the conditions are favorable, the flowers will produce seeds, continuing the cycle. Throughout its life, the Goldfish Plant requires bright, indirect light and moderate humidity to thrive, and will live for several years with proper care before inevitably aging and completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For the Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius), the most popular method of propagation is through stem cuttings. The best time for taking stem cuttings is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, cut a healthy stem that's about 3 to 4 inches long (roughly 7.5 to 10 centimeters), making sure there are at least two or three leaves on the cutting. Remove the lower leaves and allow the cutting to dry for a few hours to form a callus over the cut surface. Then, dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish within a few weeks, at which point the new Goldfish Plant can gradually acclimate to its typical growing conditions.
