About
Nematanthus hirtellus is a softly hairy, trailing evergreen shrublet producing the characteristic fleshy leaves and tubular, orange flowers of the genus. A rewarding houseplant or conservatory plant.
About the genus
Nematanthus, the clog plants or goldfish plants, are trailing evergreen perennials and subshrubs from tropical America with simple, fleshy leaves and solitary or clustered, tubular, often orange or red flowers in the leaf axils. Popular houseplants and conservatory plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toS Africa Lesotho
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Flowering stops in dry weather unless watered freely
PruningCut back stems after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be troubled by aphids
Disease resistanceMay suffer from foot and root rots in wet soils