Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights' in pot

Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights' leaf

Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights', a goldfish plant... and orange!

Unlike its ancestor, nematanthus gregarius, Nematanthus gregarius 'Jungle Lights' does not grow in the tropical forests of Brazil. This plant of the Gesneriaceae family is a cultivar, a man-made variety. It is distinguished by the color of its leaves and flowers.

How to recognize the goldfish plant Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights'?

Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights' is an epiphytic perennial with a compact habit. It reaches a height of 50 centimetres and a spread of one metre.

The plant is actually a sub-shrub. Its stems are woody at the base and then become herbaceous. Brown or green, they grow straight up to the sky before arching and drooping.

The fleshy, oval leaves measure no more than four centimetres. The upper surface is bright green. A hint of violet enhances the edge, as well as the tips of the leaf blades.

The flowers resemble small fish. The five petals are fused together to form a sac, swollen at the base and narrow at the tip. They appear singly or in groups of two or three in the leaf axils.

Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights' can be distinguished from other hybrids, such as nematanthus 'Black Magic, by the color of the flowers. The flowers are deep orange, even red at the base. The petals lighten to a bright yellow at the tips.

Nematanthus 'Jungle Lights' is non-toxic if touched or ingested. You can grow the goldfish plant without worry, even if you live with young children or pets.

Our maintenance tips

Nematanthus 'Jungle Light 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 'Jungle Light' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Nematanthus 'Jungle Light 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 'Jungle Light 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 'Jungle Light 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 'Jungle Light 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 'Jungle Light 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 colors