Family
Gesnariaceae
Botanical Name
NEMATANTHUS gregarius
Plant Common Name
Goldfish Plant
General Description
Often called goldfish plant for the color and shape of its flowers, Nematanthus gregariusis valued as an easy to grow, exotic house plant. Native to rainforests in Brazil, it is an epiphyte (no roots in the ground) found growing on trees. It is a trailing, branching subshrub (having a woody base). It produces leaves that are semi-succulent, hard in texture, glossy, and dark green. Its unusual flowers are orange, fragrant, single-petalled, pouch-shaped, and pursed at one end like a tiny mouth. They attract hummingbirds.
Like many epiphytes goldfish plant prefers partial sun and fertile soil with very good drainage. Regular fertilization promotes flowering. It is usually grown in a hanging basket or tall urn.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
