Nematanthus gregarius (Goldfish Plant)

Nematanthus gregarius, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant or Clog Plant, is cherished for its unique, fish-shaped flowers and ornamental qualities.

Nematanthus gregarius – Goldfish Plant: An In-depth Look

The Goldfish Plant features thick, glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive, pouch-like flowers that resemble tiny, leaping goldfish. Its compact, trailing habit makes it an ideal choice for hanging baskets.

Native: This species is native to Brazil, where it thrives in the warm climates of tropical forests, often growing on rocky outcroppings. It belongs to the gesneriad family, Gesneriaceae, which includes Achimenes (Hot Water Plant), Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose), and the popular Sainpaulia (African Violet).

Plant Type and Habit: The Goldfish Plant is a trailing sub-shrub, making it perfect for elevated planters and hanging baskets where its branches can cascade gracefully. In the wild, this plant grows as an epiphyte as it grows upon other plants.

Size: The plant typically grows about 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) in height but can spread or trail over 3 feet (90 cm), depending on the length of the stems and the growing conditions.

Flowers: The charming, bright orange-red flowers are the main attraction of this plant. Borne in clusters of up to 3 blooms, they are small, around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, and shaped like a fish, which gives the plant its common name. Flowering occurs mainly in the summer, but in ideal conditions, it can continue sporadically throughout the year.

Foliage: The dark green leaves are small to medium in size, oval-shaped, and have a waxy, glossy appearance that complements the bright flowers.

Hardiness: Nematanthus gregarius is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11. As a tropical plant, it does not tolerate frost and is most commonly grown indoors in cooler climates.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses: Its cascading nature and vibrant flowers make the Goldfish Plant a popular choice for indoor hanging baskets and as a decorative tabletop plant. It’s also used in terrariums due to its moderate size and humidity requirements.

Toxicity: Nematanthus gregarius is not known to be toxic to pets or humans, making it a safe choice for households with children and animals.

Invasiveness: This plant is not considered invasive. It is mainly grown as a controlled indoor plant and does not possess the characteristics typical of invasive species.

Benefits: Besides its ornamental appeal, growing a Goldfish Plant can enhance indoor air quality. It also has a relatively easy care routine, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.

How to Grow and Care for a Goldfish Plant

Light: Goldfish Plants prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near a window that receives filtered sunlight is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hot afternoon hours, as it can scorch the leaves.

Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A good mix might include ingredients like perlite or vermiculite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and drop.

Humidity: Goldfish Plants flourish in high-humidity environments. If your home is dry, particularly during winter months, use a humidifier, or place the plant on a humidity tray to increase moisture in the air around it.

Temperature: This plant thrives in warm conditions. Keep it in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It’s sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause leaf drop and other stress-related issues.

Fertilizing: Feed your Goldfish Plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding to once a month during the dormant period in the fall and winter.

Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain a bushy and attractive shape. After the plant finishes flowering, trim back the stems to encourage branching and new growth. This will help keep the plant compact and lush.

Repotting: Repot your Goldfish Plant every 1-2 years in spring using fresh, well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. Gently remove the plant, untangle the roots, and replant. Water thoroughly and place in indirect light to help it settle into its new home.

Propagation: Goldfish Plants can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. Cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem that includes several leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and covered with plastic to maintain high humidity until the cutting roots, which typically takes a few weeks.

Goldfish Plant: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

The Goldfish Plant, while generally robust and easy to care for, can sometimes face issues related to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.

Pests

Mealybugs:  These pests appear as small, white, cottony masses on the plant. Like aphids, they suck sap and weaken the plant, and also excrete honeydew.

Spider mites: These tiny arachnids are barely visible to the naked eye but can cause significant damage. They suck sap from the leaves, leading to stippled, discolored foliage and overall plant stress. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, aphids can weaken the plant by sucking sap and excreting sticky honeydew.

Diseases

Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which will manifest as wilting, yellowing leaves and a general decline in plant health.

Powdery mildew: Appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, usually due to high humidity combined with poor air circulation.

Common Problems

Leaf Drop: Sudden changes in temperature, drafts, or incorrect watering can cause leaf drop. Maintain a consistent environment to avoid stress.

Leaf Scorch: Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Fading Flower Color: If the plant does not receive enough light, the vibrancy of its flowers may diminish.

Wilting: Overwatering or underwatering can lead to wilting. Check the soil moisture level to determine the cause and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place for goldfish plants?

The best place for a Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is indoors near a window where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight. An east or north-facing window is ideal as it provides the necessary light without the harsh intensity of direct sun. Ensure the location is away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to keep the plant healthy.

Is a goldfish plant indoors or outdoors?

Goldfish Plants are primarily indoor plants, especially in temperate climates. They thrive in controlled indoor environments where temperature and humidity levels can be maintained consistently. In tropical or subtropical regions, they can be grown outdoors in shaded areas where temperatures do not drop below 50°F (10°C).

Do goldfish plants purify the air?

While Goldfish Plants add vibrant color and visual interest to indoor spaces, they are not specifically known for air-purifying abilities like some other houseplants (e.g., Peace Lily, Snake Plant). However, like all plants, they contribute to a slight improvement in indoor air quality through the general process of photosynthesis.

How long do goldfish plants live?

Goldfish Plants can live for several years with proper care. Their lifespan indoors typically depends on the growing conditions provided, including light, water, humidity, and general care. Regular pruning and repotting can help rejuvenate older plants and extend their vitality.

Is a goldfish plant a succulent?

No, a Goldfish Plant is not a succulent. It belongs to the Gesneriaceae family, which includes African violets. Unlike succulents, which store water in their leaves and stems and typically have thick, fleshy parts adapted to arid environments, Goldfish Plants have softer, more delicate leaves and require a consistently moist environment. They are known for their glossy leaves and vibrant, fish-shaped flowers rather than water-retentive tissues.