Nematanthus 'Golden West' goldfish plant variegated foliage

Credit: Cliff

Nematanthus 'Golden West' variegated leaves

Credit: Cliff

Nematanthus 'Golden West' in the ground

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Nematanthus 'Golden West', the other goldfish plant with variegated foliage

For some, Nematanthus variegata and Nematanthus 'Golden West' are just one and the same variety of Goldfish plant Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius). For others, the distribution of patterns makes them two totally different hybrids. We explain how to tell them apart.

How to recognize Nematanthus gregarius 'Golden West'?

An epiphytic plant with a bushy, drooping habit, Nematanthus 'Golden West' grows to no more than 50 centimetres high and one metre wide.

This sub-shrub has a woody, branched stump. The reddish-brown herbaceous stems are supple and curved.

The fleshy, oval leaves are variegated, as in nematanthus gregarius variegata. But the white or cream variegation is always on the edge of the leaf blade. The rest of the leaf is light green, sometimes with pink highlights.

On the other hand, both varieties have identical flowers. Orange and puffy, they have the characteristic shape of the species and look like little goldfish. They appear when the weather warms up and the days get longer.

In the wild, the goldfish plant produces capsule-shaped fruits. This never happens indoors or anywhere other than in its native forests. Indeed, the hummingbird that ensures pollination lives only in Brazil.

The goldfish plant is harmless to touch or ingest. It is not toxic to humans or pets.

Our maintenance tips

Nematanthus 'Golden West 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 'Golden West' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Nematanthus 'Golden West 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 'Golden West 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 'Golden West 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 'Golden West 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 'Golden West 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