If you want to brighten your home with a unique flowering plant, the goldfish plant (Nematanthus spp) is a delightful choice. Named for its vibrant, pouch-shaped flowers that look like tiny goldfish swimming along trailing stems, this plant adds a splash of color and whimsy to any room.
Native to Brazil’s lush forests, goldfish plants grow as epiphytes on large trees, thriving in bright, indirect light. Their glossy green leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the orange, yellow, or red blooms that cascade gracefully, especially when grown in hanging baskets.
Goldfish plants prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering—treat them like succulents by allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. They flourish with 8 to 10 hours of indirect sunlight and benefit from occasional pruning to keep their shape compact and encourage fresh blooms.
Several popular varieties include:
- ‘Black Gold’ with shiny leaves and bright orange flowers
- ‘Christmas Holly’ featuring pumpkin-orange blooms
- ‘Tropicana’ known for its striped flowers
- ‘Early Bird’ which blooms prolifically throughout much of the year
In warmer climates (USDA zones 10-11), goldfish plants can also thrive outdoors in shaded patios or porches, attracting hummingbirds with their vivid flowers.
Low-maintenance and pet-safe, goldfish plants are perfect for plant lovers seeking a cheerful, flowering addition that stands out with its quirky, fish-shaped blossoms.
