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Plant Profiles / Goldfish plant
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Goldfish plant
Nematanthus gregarius · Clog plant
Glossy little leaves and puffy orange flowers shaped like tiny goldfish. A cheerful trailing plant.
Bright indirect lightLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect light
ShadeFull sun
Some morning sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Let the top 2 cm dry.
Humidity
Average to high
LowHigh
Likes humidity.
Temperature
15–28°C (59–82°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 12°C.
Growth
Moderate, trailing
SlowFast
Trails to 60 cm.
Soil
Airy mix
LeanRich
African violet or epiphyte mix.
Fertiliser
Fortnightly in summer
RarelyOften
Diluted bloom fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
From Brazil, goldfish plant is an epiphyte related to African violets. It flowers on and off through the year in bright light.
Best spots
Bright windows, hanging pots and bathrooms.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Nematanthus gregarius |
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Plant type | Trailing epiphyte |
| Mature size | Trails 60 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Orange 'goldfish' |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Repot
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
RepotFloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Few flowers | More light. |
| Leaf drop | Cold or wet. |
| Brown spots | Cold water on leaves. |
| Leggy | Pinch tips. |
Common questions
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it trail?
Yes.
When does it flower?
Much of the year.
Is it fussy?
A little; keep it humid.
