Also known as the Goldfish plant, this African violet relative blooms most in summer, but if it has enough light, will flower all year long.
Some other species bear their blooms on long stalks that dangle like a fishing line with a goldfish at the end of the line. The arching stems and dangling blooms of guppy plant make it a good choice for hanging baskets.
How can you not love a plant whose flowers look like goldfish! It’s a fun plant for getting children excited about houseplants.
Name: Nematanthus spp.
Growing Conditions:
- Medium to bright light
- 65-80 degrees F., 50-55 degrees F. in winter
- Keep soil moderately dry
- Size: To 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Plant Care
- Native to the rainforests of Brazil, the goldfish plant grows upright when it is young but if the plant begins to look a little leggy, prune the tips of the branches and it will soon branch out and form a fuller specimen.
- Water your goldfish plant when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, approximately twice a week. Water thoroughly so the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble plant food mixed following the manufacturer’s label directions. Do not feed the goldfish plant during the winter months but resume feeding with full-strength solution when more active and robust growth begins or when the days lengthen in late winter.
- Plant goldfish plant in a rich, fertile, well-draining soil that retains moisture. A commercial potting soil specially mixed for African violets works well for the goldfish plant.
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