Goldfish Plant / Guppy Plant

Nematanthus gregarius

description

Goldfish Plant is a trailing epiphyte with glossy leaves and orange flowers shaped like tiny fish.

benefits

Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
Flowering
Suitable for containers

How to care for Goldfish Plant

sunlight

In Brazilian forest canopies, goldfish plants grow as epiphytes in bright, dappled light. Give yours a well-lit spot with softened sun to support compact growth and more orange blooms.

Bright indirect light

Place near an east window, or a few feet back from a south or west window behind a sheer curtain. A little gentle morning sun is welcome, but hot afternoon rays can scorch the leaves.

Medium indirect light - tolerated

It will stay alive in moderate light, but may grow more slowly and flower less. Move it brighter if stems become sparse or new growth is small.

For reliable flowering, keep it close to a bright window and rotate the pot every week or two.

watering

Keep the potting mix lightly moist, but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly, then let excess drain away.

Spring and summer

In active growth, this is often about every 5-7 days. Water when the top 1 inch of mix feels dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter, while the root ball is still slightly moist below.

Autumn and winter

In cooler, lower-light conditions, water roughly every 10-14 days. Let the upper half of the mix dry before watering, but do not leave it dry for long enough that leaves become limp or shriveled.

Check the mix, not the calendar: bright light, warmth, small terracotta pots, and a chunky mix dry faster than low light, cool rooms, large pots, or dense soil.

Soggy soil can quickly cause root rot. Use a pot with drainage and empty the saucer after watering.

humidity

Goldfish plants are tropical epiphytes that grow in humid forest canopies. Average home humidity is usually fine, but moderately humid air helps keep the glossy leaves lush and supports flowering.

Comfortable indoors

40-60%

It can adapt to around 40% humidity if watering and light are consistent. Aim for 50-70% for its best growth, especially in a warm, bright spot.

Crisp brown leaf edges, curling leaves, and flower buds drying up can point to air that is too dry.

Preferred for growth and blooms

50-70%

Group it with other plants or use a small humidifier nearby rather than misting the foliage.

Keep it away from heating vents, radiators, and strong air conditioning.
In winter, check humidity near the plant, as heated rooms often become much drier.

temperature

Preferred temperature

18-27°C (65-80°F)

Winter minimum

13°C (55°F)

Goldfish plants come from warm, humid forest conditions, so they grow best in steady indoor warmth. Keep them away from chilly windows and air-conditioning, especially in winter.

A spot a little back from a bright window is usually warmer and more stable than the glass itself.

Cold drafts or sudden temperature drops below 13°C (55°F) can cause leaf drop and slow growth.

nutrition

March - August

Feed about every 4 weeks while the plant is actively growing with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the label strength. Apply to already moist soil. Stop feeding in winter unless it is still making steady new growth in warm, bright conditions.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports the glossy leafy growth that carries its trailing stems. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing soft, sparse growth.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus supports flowering and root health. Regular light feeding is more useful than a strong bloom formula, especially in lower light.

Flush the pot with plain water every few months during the growing season to limit fertilizer salt buildup.

soil

Airy, moisture-retentive soil

Its epiphytic roots need air as well as even moisture. Use a loose houseplant mix amended with orchid bark and perlite or pumice, so excess water drains freely without the root ball drying out too fast.

pH 5,5 - 6,5

This is slightly acidic, which suits most peat- or coco-based houseplant mixes. Choose a fresh, well-aerated mix rather than trying to adjust pH at home.

Use a pot with drainage holes, and refresh compacted soil when watering starts to sit on the surface.