The Goldfish Plant gets its name from its bright, golden flowers- whose shape makes them look like tiny versions of the bright fish, swimming through the air around the stems of this plant! The foliage is a beautiful, glossy dark green which stands out wherever it grows in your home. Give this plant indirect light and humidity, make sure you're letting half the soil dry out between waters, and it will repay your care with gorgeous spring/summer blooms and glossy foliage.
Scientific Name Nematanthus gregarius (thread of hair flower, flocking species)
Common Name Goldfish Plant, Clog Plant, Flying Goldfish Plant
Origin Native to tropical Brazilian forests Light Bright, indirect light is best for this plant; put it somewhere it gets plenty of light but isn't in the sun. Water Allow half of the soil to dry out between waters. Be aware it will need less water in winter!
Humidity Goldfish plants like humidity, so would love a kitchen or bathroom which gets lots of use; make sure they are not near an operating radiator!
Soil Use a well-draining potting mix; components such as coir, perlite and sand will help make sure your plant is not sat soggy. A mix designed for succulents would work well. Repot every couple of years as necessary; this plant is fine being slightly pot-bound for a while.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. When flowering, a feed high in potash will help keep it blooming. Temperature Ideal temperature is 16-34°C; make sure it does not get colder than 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips As your plant grows, a prune in early spring can help it grow bushy and encourage more flowers. Don't worry if it looks a bit sadder in winter; this is normal, as the plants have a dormancy period to recharge for the growing season. If you notice leaves going brown, they might be getting wet or getting too warm. Other common issues like leggy growth are often caused by overwatering, so ensure you are letting that top half of the soil dry out!
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.