Nematanthus 'Black Magic
Nematanthus gregarius 'Black Magic'
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Genus
- Nematanthus
- Species
- Goldfish plant Nematanthus gregarius
Other name:Nematanthus gregarius
Nematanthus 'Black Magic' is a magnificent tropical plant appreciated for its brilliantly colored foliage and striking flowers. Native to tropical regions, this plant belongs to the genus Nematanthus and is a member of the Gesneriaceae family.
How to recognize Nematanthus 'Black Magic', Nematanthus gregarius?
Nematanthus 'Black Magic' reaches a height of 50 cm and a spread of up to 1 meter. It is a herbaceous plant with a compact, full habit.
This plant has a relatively basic root system that is not particularly extensive, adapted to life in well-drained soils.
The supple trunk and stems of Nematanthus 'Black Magic' contribute to its bushy silhouette, effectively supporting the weight of its many leaves.
The leaves of Nematanthus 'Black Magic' are oval, fleshy and shiny dark green, with a light-green underside streaked with a brown line. This color combination provides a wonderful visual contrast. They generally measure a few centimetres and add a lustrous texture to the whole plant.
Our care tips
Nematanthus 'Black Magic require plenty of light to flower and thrive. Indoors, place your plant facing a window. From October to April, it won't mind direct sunlight. In summer, place it in semi-shade or in a spot that receives morning and evening light. Best of all? Take your plant outside in summer and place it in the shade of a tree.
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist. Water only when the substrate is dry on the surface, for one or two centimeters.
Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature, without soaking the soil.
Thirty minutes after watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup. This will keep the roots dry and prevent them from rotting.
Misting
Mist foliage to increase humidity and repel pests. Always spray with rainwater. Tap water is too hard and leaves white marks on the leaves.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Nematanthus gregarius 'Black Magic' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Nematanthus 'Black Magic need a light, well-drained substrate. Mix equal parts potting soil for epiphytic plants and potting soil for cacti and succulents.
Obtain a perforated pot. Pour a layer of your mixture into the bottom. Place your Nematanthus gregarius 'Black Magic' in the center. Add potting soil and stop two centimetres before the edge to form a watering basin.
Press down and water generously.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Fertilize your Nematanthus 'Black Magic every month. Use a flowering plant fertilizer to stimulate flowering.
Cleaning
Using a clean, damp cloth, clean the top and bottom of the leaves. This removes dust and limits the appearance of pests.
Prune
Pruning your Nematanthus gregarius 'Black Magic' encourages branching and helps maintain a compact habit.
Using a clean, sharp tool, a pair of scissors or pruning shears for example, cut the stem just above a node. Remove about a third of the length.
You can use this opportunity to remove any yellowed leaves.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Cut a ten- to fifteen-centimeter stem with a clean, sharp tool. Remove the base leaves, leaving only the upper pairs.
Nematanthus 'Black Magic appreciate well-draining soil. To meet their needs, prepare your own substrate by mixing potting soil for cacti and succulents with potting soil for epiphytic orchids.
Fill a perforated pot with your growing medium. Make a pilot hole and plant your cutting. You can place several stems in the same container for a fuller plant.
Water generously to encourage rooting.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Loamy soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- In potsIn tubsPlanter
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceousFloweryHanging plants
- Tags
- FloweryCold-sensitive
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenBrown
- Flower color
- Orange
Discover plants from the same family
Goldfish plant
Nematanthus gregarius
Nematanthus variegata
Nematanthus gregarius variegata
Nematanthus 'Golden West
Nematanthus gregarius 'Golden West'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
