A festive and eye-catching trailing houseplant, Nematanthus ‘Christmas Holly’ is admired for its glossy green leaves and vibrant tubular flowers that appear in warm red or orange tones. The rich foliage and bright blooms give the plant a seasonal feel, which is how this cultivar earned its festive name. When in flower, the blooms resemble tiny goldfish, creating a cheerful display against the shiny leaves.
Like other Nematanthus varieties, this plant belongs to the Gesneriad family and naturally grows as an epiphyte in tropical forests. In the wild it often grows along tree branches where it receives filtered light and plenty of humidity. Indoors it makes a beautiful trailing plant for hanging baskets, shelves, or plant stands, where the cascading stems and colourful flowers can be fully appreciated.
Scientific Name
Nematanthus ‘Christmas Holly’ (cultivar of the Nematanthus genus)
Plants in the genus Nematanthus were historically placed in the genus Hypocyrta. Modern botanical classification now recognises them within Nematanthus, a group of flowering plants in the Gesneriad family.
Synonyms
Previously associated with Hypocyrta species in older horticultural literature.
Common Name
Goldfish Plant (cultivar ‘Christmas Holly’)
Origin
Cultivar derived from species native to the tropical forests of Brazil.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. A little gentle morning or evening sun can help encourage flowering, but avoid strong direct midday sunlight.
Water
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain away. Reduce watering slightly during winter.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity. It grows well in kitchens, bathrooms, or when grouped with other plants where humidity levels are naturally higher.
Soil
Use a light, well-draining potting mix. A houseplant compost blended with bark and perlite works well, allowing moisture retention while preventing waterlogging.
Food
Feed every 4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. Pause feeding during winter.
Temperature
Thrives in temperatures between 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 12°C and protect from cold drafts.
Pet-safe
Not known to be toxic, though it is still best to keep houseplants out of reach of curious pets.
Sprouts Top Tips
Pinch back trailing stems occasionally to encourage bushier growth and help the plant produce more flowers.
Extras
Its trailing stems make it ideal for hanging planters or allowing to cascade from shelves.
Did You Know?
The common name “Goldfish Plant” comes from the shape of the flowers, which resemble tiny goldfish when viewed from the side.
