About
Nematanthus strigillosus is a trailing evergreen shrublet producing the characteristic fleshy, glossy leaves and tubular, orange-red 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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens
Native toSouth Africa (E Cape, KwaZulu-Natal)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, fertile soil in full sun. Flowering stops in dry weather unless watered freely. Pinch out growing tips to produce bushy plants, and instead of deadheading, trim off flowering shoots when initial flowering is finished to promote more flowers
PruningTrim off flowering shoots when first flush of flowers finished
PropagationTake softwood cuttings from the ends of non-flowering shoots in late summer and overwinter plants in frost-free conditions or take softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may suffer from foot and root rots in wet soils