Plant care guide

Nematanthus

Nematanthus gregariusFamily Gesneriaceae

Also known as Goldfish plant

Small, thick, glossy leaves and puffy flowers that look like little goldfish. With good light it blooms much of the year and looks lovely in a hanging basket.

LightBright indirect
WaterWhen the top inch is dry
HumidityMedium to high
Temperature65–84 °F (18–29 °C)
PetsNot considered toxic to dogs or cats
DifficultyModerate

Varieties we grow

KOI Orange: Bright green glossy leaves, branches well and bears orange flowers; stems trail slightly.
KOI Red: Darker, glossier leaves than 'Orange'; reddish flowers.

Light

It needs plenty of indirect light to bloom, like a bright window or a well-lit porch. A little gentle morning sun is fine, but strong midday sun scorches the leaves. In low light it stays green but hardly flowers.

Watering

Its thick leaves store water, so it handles being forgotten better than being overwatered. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and empty the saucer. Never use cold water straight from the fridge — it leaves spots on the leaves.

Soil and pot

A light, fast-draining mix works well, such as all-purpose potting mix with coco coir and plenty of perlite, in a pot or basket with drainage holes. After each flush of flowers, pinch the stem tips so it branches out and looks fuller.

Humidity and temperature

It likes warmth and medium to high humidity, and is happiest between 68 and 84 °F (20–29 °C). Below 50 °F (10 °C) it gets damaged. It blooms more when days are long and warm.

In the Dominican Republic

The heat here suits it, and it blooms most from spring to late summer, when the days are longer. Outdoors, hang it on a porch in bright shade, protected from afternoon sun and heavy downpours, which flood the basket and rot the roots. With the AC running all day it tends to drop leaves. Before a hurricane, take it down and bring it inside.

Also known as

Planta pez dorado: Common Spanish name
Pececito: Common Spanish name
Nematanthus: Common Spanish name
Goldfish plant: Common English name
Candy corn plant: Common English name
Clog plant: Common English name

Common problems

No flowersNot enough light; move it closer to a bright window or onto a bright porch.
Dropping leavesCold, an AC draft or overwatering; check its spot and let the soil dry more.
Pale spots on the leavesCold water on the leaves or strong direct sun; water at room temperature and give it shade.
Long, bare stemsLow light; pinch the stems back and move it somewhere brighter.
Black, mushy stems at the baseRot from overwatering; cut the healthy tips and root them again.