Birthday
HydrangeasThis article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. If you're looking for an unusual, easy-going houseplant, meet Nematanthus from the gesneriad family — a relative of African violets and gloxinias. Its orange, red or yellow pouched flowers look like tiny fish, hence the name "goldfish plant". It comes from the humid Atlantic forests of Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
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About the plant
- A small bushy or trailing plant with stems 30–60 cm long.
- Small, thick, glossy leaves, purple underneath in some varieties.
- Flowers from spring to autumn, almost all year with good care.
- Non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
Care through the seasons
| Factor | What it needs |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect: an east or west window, or a south window with light shade at midday. In shade it gets leggy and won't flower. |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C in spring and summer; 14–16 °C in winter — the cool spell triggers flower buds. Below 12 °C it drops leaves. |
| Watering | From spring to autumn, when the top 1–2 cm of compost is dry, with soft tepid water. Moderately in winter. Never leave water in the saucer. |
| Humidity | 50–60%: a tray of wet pebbles or a humidifier. Mist finely without soaking the flowers. |
| Compost | Light and airy, like African violet mix: peat, leaf mould, perlite, a little bark and charcoal. |
| Feeding | Every 2 weeks from March to September with a flowering-plant fertiliser at half strength. |
| Repotting | Every 2–3 years in spring, into a pot only slightly larger. It flowers better when snug. Drainage is essential. |
Pruning and shaping
Flowers form on new growth, so in early spring, before active growth starts, cut the stems back by a third and pinch out the tips. The plant becomes bushier and flowers more. Long bare stems can be cut back harder — they regrow quickly.
Propagating from cuttings
- In spring or early summer, take tip cuttings 7–10 cm long with 3–4 pairs of leaves.
- Strip the lower leaves and root the cuttings in peat and perlite or in water.
- Keep them under a clear cover at 22–24 °C, airing regularly.
- Roots appear in 2–3 weeks — plant 3–4 cuttings per pot for a full plant.
Common problems
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| No flowers | Too little light, no cool winter rest, pot too big |
| Leaf drop | Cold or draughts, overwatering in winter, root ball drying out |
| Bud drop | Moving the pot, dry air, cold water |
| Spots on leaves | Cold water or sunburn |
| Sticky residue, webbing | Aphids, scale or spider mites — treat with an insecticide |
FAQ
Is a goldfish plant safe for bedrooms or a child's room?
Yes, it's non-toxic and safe around children and pets.
Can I put it on the balcony in summer?
Yes, in part shade and out of draughts. On very hot days it benefits from cooler evenings outdoors.
Why are the flowers small?
Usually because of too little light or feeding.
Love unusual plants? Browse the houseplants section at UFL.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
