Nematanthus gregarius variegata in pot

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Goldfish plant variegated leaves Nematanthus variegata

Credit: Forest et Kim Starr

Variegated leaves Nematanthus variegata

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Nematanthus variegata orange flowers

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Nematanthus gregarius variegata, a goldfish plant with variegated leaves

What better way to highlight the flowers of the goldfish plant than with variegated foliage? This is undoubtedly the question Mother Nature asked herself when she came up with the idea of adding bright patterns to the leaves of Nematanthus gregarius variegata. Since then, this plant from the Gesneriaceae family has delighted fans of variegated leaf blades and colorful flowers.

How to recognize the goldfish plant, Nematanthus gregarius variegata?

Smaller than the classic nematanthus gregarius, Nematanthus gregarius variegata reaches a maximum height of 30 centimetres and a width of 60 centimetres. It is an epiphytic perennial with a compact habit.

The reddish-brown stems are woody at the base and flexible at the tip. They first grow skyward, then arch and droop.

Yellow, white or cream patterns run through the green leaves. Oval and fleshy, the leaf blades have a pronounced midrib and a shiny upper surface. The underside is darker, almost glaucous.

Your goldfish plant has green and white leaves and you're not sure whether it's a Nematanthus variegata or a Nematanthus 'Golden West? Look at the distribution of the variegation. In variegata, they can be found anywhere on the leaf blade. On 'Golden West', they're found only around the edge.

Nematanthus gregarius variegata is not only cultivated for its decorative foliage. The plant also flowers indoors. The orange flowers resemble small fish. Swollen at the base, they have a very narrow opening.

Your Nematanthus gregarius variegata is unlikely to produce fruit. In fact, only one species of hummingbird, found only in Brazil, manages to slip its beak into the flower to pollinate it. This operation produces tough capsules containing the seeds.

The goldfish plant is non-toxic either on contact or if ingested. It is harmless to humans and pets.

Our maintenance tips

Nematanthus gregarius variegata 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 variegata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Nematanthus gregarius variegata 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 gregarius variegata 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 variegata 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 variegata 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 gregarius variegata 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