This library and any plant lists generated from it reflect plants we’ve carried or could obtain over the past 12–18 months, not our current inventory or availability.

“Fire Wise” plants are not fireproof. These plants, when maintained properly, have a higher fire resistance reducing fire danger. This list is built on the recommendations of local governments and the Diablo Firesafe Council

Plant Library
houseplant

Goldfish Plant

Nematanthus gregarius

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Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) at East Bay Nursery

Goldfish Plant flowers

Goldfish Plant flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) at East Bay Nursery

Goldfish Plant flowers

Goldfish Plant flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  3 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Other Names:  Guppy Plant, form. Hypocyrta radicans

Description:

This relative of the common African violet is a stunning plant to behold; shiny, dark green leaves contrast unusual deep orange blooms that resemble small goldfish; an outstanding, easy care indoor accent plant; becomes shrub-like over time

Features & Attributes

Goldfish Plant features unusual orange tubular flowers along the stems from early winter to late fall. Its attractive glossy oval leaves emerge light green, turning dark green in color throughout the year.

This is a dense herbaceous evergreen houseplant with a trailing habit of growth, eventually spilling over the edges of hanging baskets and containers. This plant can be pruned at any time to keep it looking its best.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, Goldfish Plant can be expected to grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. This houseplant will do well in a location that gets either direct or indirect sunlight, although it will usually require a more brightly-lit environment than what artificial indoor lighting alone can provide. It does best in average to evenly moist soil, but will not tolerate standing water. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It will benefit from a regular feeding with a general-purpose fertilizer with every second or third watering. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soil. Contact the store for specific recommendations on pre-mixed potting soil for this plant.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

 
 
Hardiness Zone  Plant Height  Minimum Sunlight   
Characteristics
Accent  Container  Basket 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Attracts Wildlife 
Features & Attributes

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