How to Grow and Care for Nematanthus Gregarius
This guide explains how to grow Nematanthus gregarius by recreating its native tropical conditions, leading to healthy foliage and its unique goldfish-shaped flowers.
The Nematanthus gregarius, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant or Clog Plant, is recognized for its unique flowers and trailing growth. This name comes from its vibrant, red-orange tubular flowers that resemble small goldfish. Native to Brazil, this plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other trees instead of in soil. This origin explains its preferences for light, water, and soil in a home environment, where its glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive blooms make it a popular houseplant.
Goldfish Plant Care Guide
Light
The Goldfish Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and needs it to produce its signature blooms. An ideal location is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun or a few feet from a south- or west-facing window. Insufficient light results in fewer flowers and leggy growth, where stems become stretched with sparse leaves. To encourage balanced growth, rotate the plant periodically.
Water
Due to its epiphytic nature, water this plant thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. During the spring and summer growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Use lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the plant and cause brown spots on its leaves. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out more between sessions.
Soil
A Goldfish Plant needs light, airy, and well-draining soil that mimics its native habitat. A standard peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark is an excellent choice to improve aeration and prevent waterlogging. Pre-made mixes formulated for African Violets also work well, as they provide the necessary drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical native, the Goldfish Plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It is most comfortable in household temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and is sensitive to cold drafts or sudden temperature drops, which can cause leaf loss. This plant benefits from humidity levels above 50%. To increase humidity, mist the foliage, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
To support growth and flowering, regular feeding is beneficial during the spring and summer. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer at the start of spring. A fertilizer with higher phosphorus content can help promote blooms. Reduce or stop feeding during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning keeps a Goldfish Plant full and encourages more flowers. Without trimming, the trailing stems can become long and leggy. Pruning stimulates new growth for a bushier, more compact shape, and since flowers form on new growth, it leads to a better bloom display.
The best time to prune is after the main flowering cycle finishes or in early spring. Using clean, sharp scissors, trim back stems that have become too long. Make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage the plant to branch out from that point, creating a denser appearance.
Propagating Nematanthus Gregarius
Goldfish Plants are most commonly propagated using stem cuttings, which is an excellent way to use pieces removed during pruning. The best time to propagate is during the spring or summer. Select a healthy stem tip about three to four inches long without flower buds and use a clean blade to cut just below a leaf node.
Remove the lowest set of leaves to expose the nodes. Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. For water rooting, place the cutting in a jar, submerging the bare nodes, and change the water every few days until roots are about an inch long. For soil propagation, insert the cutting into a pot with a moist, well-draining mix and keep it moist until new growth appears.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
A lack of flowers or the development of leggy growth are common issues, both caused by insufficient light. To fix these problems, move the plant to a brighter location and prune the elongated stems to encourage bushier growth. If light is adequate, a lack of blooms can also indicate a need for a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season.
Sudden leaf drop is a sign of stress from overwatering, underwatering, or abrupt changes in temperature. Maintaining a consistent care routine helps prevent this issue.
Aphids and mealybugs are the most common pests for Goldfish Plants. These insects feed on the plant’s sap and can be found on the undersides of leaves or in crevices. An infestation can be managed by treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Inspect the plant regularly to catch these issues early.