Nematanthus


Nematanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. All of its species are endemic to Brazil. Compared to other gesneriads, Nematanthus has leaves that are small, succulent, and hard-surfaced. The plant has a trailing, branching, and spreading habit; it is generally an epiphyte in nature and a hanging-basket plant in cultivation.
The flower has petals fused into a pouch-like shape, with a small opening. The fancied resemblance of the flower to a goldfish gives the plant its common name, "goldfish plant" or "guppy plant".
Hummingbirds often will feed from the nectar-filled "goldfish" flowers.

Species

Species include:
Nematanthus will endure a minimum temperature of 35 °F, but thrive between 65 °F to 85 °F. Nematanthus do best in bright indirect light and can easily burn in direct sunlight. They prefer high humidity, but adapt well to household humidity. The tuberous roots of this plant retain water, and the Nematanthus plant prefers its soil to remain moist, and well-drained. The Goldfish plant enjoys being pot-bound, and is more likely to bloom in that state. When grown in the right conditions, the Nematanthus is known to bloom year-round. To encourage new blooms, regular pruning of the plant is recommended.

Toxicity

The Nematanthus is considered non-toxic and safe for pets by the ASPCA.