Nematanthus gregarius 'Tropicana' in pot

Credit: David J. Stang

Flowers Nematanthus gregarius 'Tropicana

Credit: Peter Coxhead

Orange and red flowers Nematanthus gregarius 'Tropicana

Credit: Stathis Xanthopoulos

Green leaves Nematanthus 'Tropicana

Credit: Stathis Xanthopoulos

Nematanthus 'Tropicana', a goldfish plant with striped flowers

The patterned yellow flowers of Nematanthus 'Tropicana' look more like a berlingot than a goldfish. But there's no mistaking their puffy shape! The plant is indeed a cultivar produced from nematanthus gregarius (Nematanthus gregarius).

How to recognize the goldfish plant Nematanthus 'Tropicana'?

Nematanthus 'Tropicana' is an epiphytic perennial with a compact, bushy habit. It can grow up to 50 cm tall in all directions.

Nematanthus 'Tropicana' is a sub-shrub: the plant has a woody base and herbaceous stems. The flexible, arching stems are reddish-brown.

Leaves are plain green. The upper surface is brighter and lighter than the underside. Blades are no more than four centimetres long. They are oval and fleshy, with a pronounced midrib.

Nematanthus 'Tropicana' flowers all year round. At first, the plant is adorned with burgundy buds. When the buds open, they reveal dark yellow flowers with orange and purple patterns.

The flowers, like the foliage and stems, are non-toxic. They are harmless to humans and animals who touch or ingest them.

Our maintenance tips

Nematanthus 'Tropicana' plants 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 'Tropicana' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Nematanthus 'Tropicana' plants 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 'Tropicana 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 'Tropicana' 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 'Tropicana 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 'Tropicana' plants 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