Nematanthus, goldfish plant
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Nematanthus

goldfish plant

Gesneriaceae

Atlantic forest regions of southeastern Brazil; epiphytes and lithophytes at low to moderate elevations

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height12–24 inches (30–60 cm) trailing
Width12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

10 - 12
Zone 10
Zone 11
Zone 12
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Nematanthus is a genus of approximately 30 species of trailing, epiphytic perennials in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Atlantic forest regions of Brazil. Plants grown as houseplants typically reach 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) in trailing stem length; growth rate is moderate under good indoor light. The habit is trailing to pendant, with slender, branching stems. Leaves are small, 0.5–1.5 inches (1.3–3.8 cm) long, thick, fleshy, and waxy, dark glossy green above, arranged oppositely or in whorls on the stems. The flowers are the primary ornamental feature: tubular, 0.75–1.2 inches (2–3 cm) long, pouched or swollen at the base, orange to orange-red with a narrow opening, borne singly or in pairs at leaf axils. The pouch shape and orange color are responsible for the common name goldfish plant. Bloom can occur throughout the year under good light. The most widely grown species is N. gregarius. In the Pacific Northwest, grown exclusively as a houseplant or greenhouse plant.

Native Range

Nematanthus species are native to the Atlantic forest regions of southeastern Brazil, growing as epiphytes or lithophytes on trees and rocky outcrops in humid subtropical forest at low to moderate elevations. They are not native to the Pacific Northwest and are grown as houseplants in all temperate regions.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a houseplant in hanging baskets, elevated containers, and shelf displays where the trailing habit and orange tubular flowers can be viewed at eye level or from below. The pendulous stems and intermittent orange flowers provide color in indoor spaces throughout the year. Best positioned in bright indirect light in kitchens, bathrooms, or conservatories with adequate humidity.

How to Identify

Nematanthus species are identified by the trailing to pendant habit with fleshy, waxy, dark glossy green leaves arranged oppositely on slender stems; and distinctive pouched or swollen tubular flowers, typically orange to orange-red with a narrow mouth, borne at the leaf axils. Distinguished from Columnea by the more swollen, pouch-like flower base; distinguished from Aeschynanthus by the shorter, more compact flower tube and more succulent leaf texture.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
red

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks
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SpringSummer
Flowers are produced intermittently throughout the year under good light conditions, with peak bloom in late spring through summer. Each flower is tubular, 0.75–1.2 inches (2–3 cm) long, orange to orange-red, pouched at the base with a small opening at the tip. Individual blooms last 1–3 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange to orange-red

Foliage Description

dark glossy green above

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
peatsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in bright indirect light indoors — an east- or west-facing window is suitable; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the fleshy leaves. Use a well-drained, peat- or coir-based potting mix; roots are sensitive to waterlogging. Water when the top 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) of soil dries out; reduce watering in winter. Maintain temperatures above 55°F (13°C); cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) cause leaf drop. High humidity (50–70%) supports best growth. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a dilute balanced fertilizer.

Pruning

Pinch stem tips regularly to encourage bushy, branching growth. After flowering, cut back stems by one-third to one-half to renew vigor and promote the next flush of growth. Remove dead or damaged stems at any time.

Pruning Schedule

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early springlate springsummerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic