Nematanthus Gregarius – The Goldfish Plant or Clog Plant.
Nematanthus are fascinating little plants, surprisingly growing epiphytically, something that grows on another plant or organism sympathetically, not harming its host, and are native to Brazil. The slightly woody trailing stems are covered in dark, glossy green leaves, and the tubular orange flowers resemble little, pouting Goldfish. They are long flowering and make ideal houseplants.
So follow these tips to enjoy:
As with most tropical jungle plants I like to be kept in bright, indirect light, this mimics the sunlight filtering through the tree canopy above. A window allowing morning or evening sun, and protection from midday sun, is ideal.
Nematanthus are fairly shallow rooted, so they don`t cope well with constantly soggy soil. Water moderately in growth, through Spring and Summer, allowing the top of the compost to dry between watering. Nematanthus are quite tolerant of periods of drought, as they can store water in their fleshy leaves, so it`s best to err on the side of caution when watering.
Nematanthus survive quite happily in dry air, but it might lead to less flowers, so help to increase the humidity around the plant during the hottest, driest times by placing on a tray of moist gravel, grouping together with other plants, or an occasional misting will all help to keep it happy.
Average room temperatures.
Fertilise regularly through Spring and Summer, every other week, with a diluted, half strength liquid houseplant feed.
Minimum Temp: 14c
In Winter when growth is slow, temperatures are cooler, and light levels lower, then the plant will naturally take a Winters rest. The flowers may fade, and the plant will become dormant.
Reduce the amount, and frequency of water, and do not feed.
If temperatures and light levels remain higher then it`s possible that the plant may not go in to this state of dormancy, and can continue to grow. Just be careful of watering at this stage.
Regular pruning in early Spring, before new growth starts will help create a bushier, healthier plant. Just make sure not to do this once the flower buds have started to form.
Repot only when the plant is very pot bound, over potting will lead to too much moisture at the roots.
Lack of flowers usually indicates too little light.
Warnings:
Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
