Nematanthus 'Black Magic' in pot

Credit: Wilhelm Zimmerling

Orange flowers Nematnathus 'Black Magic

Credit: Wihlem Zimmerling

Goldfish plant Nematanthus 'Black Magic

Credit: William Coville

Nematanthus 'Black Magic' flower bud

Credit: Calimo

Dark green leaves Nematanthus 'Black Magic

Credit: Tom Zucker-Scharff

Nematanthus 'Black Magic

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 maintenance 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.

Spray

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 require 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 '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 'Black Magic encourages branching and helps maintain a compact habit.

Using a clean, sharp tool, such as a pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just above a node. Remove about a third of the length.

You can use this opportunity to remove any yellowed leaves.

Cutting

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

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Gesneriaceae - Gesneriaceae
Type	Nematanthus - Nematanthus
Species	Goldfish plant - Nematanthus gregarius
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Loamy soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Flowery Hanging plants
Tags	Flowery Fritillary
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower color