Nematanthus Strigillosus | Nematanthus | Gesneriaceae

Nematanthus strigillosus - The Goldfish Plant

What is Nematanthus strigillosus?

Nematanthus strigillosus, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. It is native to Brazil and is an evergreen, trailing perennial or subshrub that prefers dappled shade and tropical conditions. The plant is named after its unique, tubular orange-red flowers that resemble a goldfish.

The leaves of Nematanthus strigillosus are cupped and elliptic, covered in a dense hairy down. They grow up to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant can reach a height of 12 inches and a width of 36-48 inches, making it ideal for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on a shelf or windowsill.

Nematanthus strigillosus is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10b to 11, with a minimum temperature of 35°F.

The Goldfish Plant is popular among succulent enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ease of care. It is often used in indoor gardens or as a decorative plant in living spaces. The plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great addition to any home or office.

If you're looking for a unique and low-maintenance plant to add to your collection, Nematanthus strigillosus is a great choice. With its vibrant flowers and easy care requirements, it's sure to be a standout in any space.

Characteristics of Nematanthus strigillosus

Nematanthus strigillosus, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. It is native to Brazil and is an evergreen, trailing perennial or subshrub that prefers dappled shade and tropical conditions. The plant is named after its bright orange-red tubular flowers that resemble a goldfish.

The Goldfish Plant has cupped elliptic leaves covered in a dense hairy down that gives it a velvety appearance. The leaves are dark green with prominent veins and can grow up to 4 inches long. The plant can reach a height of 12 inches and a width of 48 inches, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in a shaded area.

The Goldfish Plant is easy to care for and requires moderate watering. It prefers well-draining soil and should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, which should be taken in the spring or summer.

The Goldfish Plant is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. It is also a great addition to any garden or patio area that receives partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10b to 11 and can be grown outdoors year-round in these areas.

If you are looking for a unique and easy-to-care-for plant, the Goldfish Plant is an excellent choice. Its bright orange-red flowers and velvety leaves make it a standout addition to any collection.

How to care for Nematanthus strigillosus

Nematanthus strigillosus, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a beautiful and unique plant that belongs to the Gesneriad family. The plant is native to Brazil and is an evergreen, trailing perennial or subshrub that prefers dappled shade and tropical conditions. The plant is named after its bright orange-red tubular flowers that resemble a goldfish, making it an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your indoor garden.

The plant has cupped elliptic leaves covered in a dense hairy down, which gives it a velvety texture. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy finish, making them an attractive feature of the plant. The plant can reach a height of 12 inches and can spread up to 48 inches, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on a shelf.

The Goldfish Plant is relatively easy to care for and requires moderate watering. The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate low light conditions. However, it is essential to avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves.

The Goldfish Plant is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its unique appearance and easy care requirements. It is also a great choice for those who want to attract hummingbirds to their garden, as the plant's bright flowers are known to attract these beautiful birds.

If you are looking for a unique and attractive plant to add to your indoor garden, the Nematanthus strigillosus or Goldfish Plant is an excellent choice. With its bright orange-red tubular flowers and velvety leaves, it is sure to add a pop of color and texture to your space.

Propagation of Nematanthus strigillosus

Nematanthus strigillosus, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. This evergreen, trailing perennial or subshrub is native to Brazil and is usually an epiphyte in its natural habitat. The plant has cupped elliptic leaves that are covered in a dense hairy down, giving it a unique texture. The leaves are dark green with prominent veins and can grow up to 3 inches long.

The Goldfish Plant is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and easy care. It prefers dappled shade and tropical conditions to be at its best. The plant can be grown in a hanging basket or trained to climb a trellis. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 12 inches in height and 48 inches in width.

The Goldfish Plant blooms tubular orange-red flowers from spring through fall. The flowers are small and resemble goldfish, hence the common name. The plant is a great addition to any indoor garden and can add a pop of color to any room.

To care for the Goldfish Plant, it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant prefers high humidity and can benefit from misting or a humidifier. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the plant regularly to keep it from becoming too leggy and to encourage bushier growth.

Overall, the Goldfish Plant is a unique and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a touch of tropical beauty to any indoor space. Its striking appearance and low maintenance make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Common problems with Nematanthus strigillosus

Nematanthus strigillosus, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. It is native to Brazil and is an evergreen, trailing perennial or subshrub that prefers dappled shade and tropical conditions. The plant is named after its unique, tubular orange-red flowers that resemble a goldfish.

The leaves of Nematanthus strigillosus are cupped and elliptic, covered in a dense hairy down. The plant can reach a height of 12 inches and can spread up to 48 inches. It is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and easy care requirements.

Nematanthus strigillosus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. It is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

The Goldfish Plant is a great addition to any indoor garden or hanging basket. It is a low-maintenance plant that can add a pop of color to any room.

Other common names for Nematanthus strigillosus include Hypocyrta glabra, Columnea nematanthus, and Nematanthus wettsteinii.

If you are looking for a unique and easy-to-care-for plant, Nematanthus strigillosus is a great choice. Its vibrant flowers and interesting foliage make it a standout addition to any collection.