How to Grow Nematanthus
iNaturalist
Nematanthus
Nematanthus gregarius
flowerNematanthus is a tropical epiphytic plant with glossy, succulent-like foliage and distinctive small, tubular flowers resembling tiny fish or mouths. Native to Central and South America, it thrives as a houseplant and makes an excellent trailing specimen for hanging baskets and containers.
When should you plant Nematanthus in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Nematanthus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nematanthus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nematanthus blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nematanthus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; best grown indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Nematanthus timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant with limited branching and minimal foliage. Roots developing in new pot.
Water gently but consistently. Avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks. Provide bright indirect light.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksStems elongate and branch out. Glossy, oval leaves emerge along trailing stems. No flowers present.
Maintain consistent moisture and high humidity. Begin light fertilizing at half strength every 3-4 weeks. Provide bright light.
Pre-flowering
2-4 weeksPlant becomes fuller with established trailing stems. Small buds begin to form at leaf axils.
Continue regular feeding with balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus. Ensure bright light to trigger blooming.
Flowering
4-12 weeks (often blooms multiple times yearly)Distinctive small tubular or pouch-like flowers in shades of orange, red, yellow, or pink appear along stems. Flowers resemble tiny mouths or fish.
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Do not move plant. Keep humidity high. Remove spent flowers. Continue regular watering.
Rest/Dormancy
2-3 monthsReduced growth and flowering, particularly in winter. Plant appears less vigorous.
Reduce watering slightly. Provide cooler temperatures if possible (60-65°F). Reduce fertilizing. Maintain bright light.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Isolate plant. Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs or neem oil spray. Repeat every 7-10 days.
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Increase humidity. Spray foliage with water. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe.
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil.
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Reduce overwatering. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Use sticky traps.
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Repot into fresh, dry soil. Remove affected roots. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency.
Uses
Trailing Houseplant Décor
HouseholdNematanthus makes an attractive living accent for indoor spaces, hanging baskets, and shelving with its cascading stems and colorful pouch-like flowers. The plant adds tropical elegance to bathrooms and humid indoor environments. [source]
Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeThe distinctive tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and insects in outdoor tropical gardens. Blooming consistently throughout the year provides a reliable nectar source. [source]
Low-Maintenance Indoor Garden
HouseholdNematanthus requires minimal pruning and no deadheading of entire flowers to encourage blooming. Its succulent foliage makes it more forgiving than other tropical houseplants during occasional dry periods. [source]
Propagation and Plant Sharing
CraftNematanthus propagates easily from stem cuttings in water or moist soil, making it an excellent plant for sharing with fellow gardeners and starting new collections. [source]
Harvest Tips
Nematanthus is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Pinch back stems in spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowering. Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Enjoy flowers as they appear; they typically last 1-2 weeks per bloom cycle.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nematanthus flowers have a pouch-like structure that resembles small mouths or fish faces, which is why they are sometimes called 'Goldfish Plant' in reference to their appearance.
- 🌱 As an epiphytic plant in its native habitat, Nematanthus grows on tree branches in tropical rainforests, absorbing moisture and nutrients from bark and debris rather than soil.
- 🌱 Unlike many flowering houseplants, Nematanthus can bloom nearly year-round indoors with consistent bright light and warm temperatures, providing months of colorful floral display.
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