Overview

The black goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius ‘Black Magic’) is a truly captivating addition to any indoor plant collection. This unique nematanthus live plant is renowned for its striking dark, almost black, foliage which provides a dramatic backdrop for its bright, often orange or red, goldfish-shaped flowers. As a live plant, it arrives ready to thrive in your home, offering immediate aesthetic appeal and a touch of the exotic. Native to the tropical regions of Brazil, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments, making it perfectly suited for indoor cultivation. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or elevated shelves, allowing its distinctive leaves and blooms to cascade beautifully. The name ‘goldfish plant’ comes from the peculiar shape of its flowers, which resemble tiny, jumping goldfish, adding a whimsical touch to its sophisticated appearance. This particular variety, with its dark leaves, offers a sophisticated alternative to the more common green-leaved versions, providing a dramatic contrast in any plant arrangement.

Key Benefits

The black goldfish plant offers numerous benefits beyond its undeniable beauty, making it a highly desirable indoor hanging plant for enthusiasts and beginners alike. Its ease of care and unique appearance contribute significantly to its appeal.

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The dark, almost iridescent foliage of the black goldfish plant creates a dramatic contrast, especially when adorned with its bright, goldfish-shaped flowers. This plant serves as an exceptional focal point in any room, adding depth and intrigue to your decor.
• Unique Bloom Shape: The characteristic ‘goldfish’ shape of its flowers is a conversation starter. These intricate blooms emerge in vibrant hues, offering a delightful surprise against the dark leaves and making it a truly unique houseplants choice.
• Adaptable Growth Habit: With its trailing stems, this nematanthus live plant is perfect for hanging baskets, allowing its beauty to be admired from all angles. It can also be placed on shelves or in decorative pots, where its foliage can gracefully spill over the edges.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: Despite its exotic appearance, goldfish plant care is straightforward, making it suitable for both experienced gardeners and those new to indoor plants. It tolerates a range of indoor conditions, provided its basic needs are met.
• Air Purifying Qualities: Like many houseplants, the Nematanthus can contribute to improved indoor air quality by absorbing common toxins and releasing fresh oxygen, creating a healthier living environment.
• Long Blooming Period: With proper care, the black goldfish plant can bloom for extended periods, providing continuous color and interest throughout much of the year, unlike many seasonal bloomers.
• Pet-Friendly Nature: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to pets, offering peace of mind for households with curious cats or dogs, making it a safe choice for any home.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper goldfish plant care ensures a healthy, thriving plant with abundant blooms. Understanding its specific needs for light, water, and soil will help you maintain its vibrant appearance. This nematanthus live plant prefers conditions that mimic its tropical origins, but it is quite adaptable to typical home environments.

For optimal growth, the black goldfish plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or west-facing window where it receives morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. Direct midday sun can scorch its delicate leaves, especially the dark foliage, so ensure it is protected. If natural light is insufficient, it can also do well under fluorescent grow lights. Consistent watering is crucial; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and drop. During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently, and reduce watering in the dormant winter months. Humidity is also important for this tropical beauty. You can increase humidity by misting the plant regularly, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a room humidifier. The ideal temperature range for the black goldfish plant is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this can damage the plant.

The right soil mix is vital for good drainage and aeration. A well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for African violets or other epiphytic plants, works best. You can also create your own mix by combining peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter. Pruning is beneficial to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems after flowering to promote new growth. Common problems include yellowing leaves (due to overwatering or nutrient deficiency), leaf drop (due to inconsistent watering or low humidity), and lack of blooms (insufficient light or nutrients). Addressing these issues promptly will help maintain a healthy and vibrant black goldfish plant, ensuring it continues to be a stunning indoor hanging plant.

Size & Details

This offering is for a live black goldfish plant, carefully grown and shipped in a 6 inch nursery pot. The plant is established and ready to be placed in your home or repotted into a decorative container. Typically, a Nematanthus plant in a 6-inch pot will have multiple trailing stems, reaching an approximate length of 8-12 inches, with the potential to grow much longer with proper care. The dark, glossy leaves are oval-shaped and relatively small, usually 1-2 inches long. The plant will arrive in its pot, ensuring minimal transplant shock and providing a healthy start in its new environment. Expect a moderate growth rate, with new foliage and blooms appearing regularly throughout the active growing season. The goldfish-shaped flowers are typically about 1 inch long and can appear in shades of orange, red, or yellow, often with striped markings. This nematanthus live plant is a mature specimen, ready to begin flowering soon after arrival, adding immediate beauty to your collection of unique houseplants.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this black goldfish plant get? A: This black goldfish plant is shipped in a 6-inch pot and typically has trailing stems that can reach lengths of 12-24 inches or more when mature. Its spread depends on whether it’s kept as a compact bush or allowed to trail.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The black goldfish plant is primarily grown as an indoor houseplant in most climates due to its tropical origins. It can be moved outdoors in shaded areas during warm summer months, but should be brought inside before temperatures drop below 50°F.
• Q: How much sunlight does the goldfish plant need? A: This nematanthus live plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially in the afternoon, as it can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window is often ideal.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, goldfish plant care is considered relatively easy, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. Consistent watering, adequate light, and humidity are key to its success.
• Q: What condition will the black goldfish plant arrive in? A: Your black goldfish plant will arrive as a healthy, live plant, securely packaged in its 6-inch nursery pot. It will be ready to be placed in your home or repotted immediately.
• Q: How often should I water my goldfish plant? A: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler, dormant months. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Q: Is the black goldfish plant pet-safe? A: Yes, the Nematanthus genus, which includes the black goldfish plant, is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, making it a safe choice for homes with pets.
• Q: Does this plant bloom year-round? A: While not strictly year-round, with good care and adequate light, the black goldfish plant can produce its charming goldfish-shaped flowers intermittently throughout much of the year, especially during spring and summer.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for this indoor hanging plant? A: A well-draining, airy potting mix is best for the black goldfish plant. A mix designed for African violets or a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
• Q: Will this plant help purify the air? A: Like many other unique houseplants, the Nematanthus can contribute to improving indoor air quality by absorbing common household toxins and releasing oxygen, creating a fresher living environment.