Nematanthus wettsteinii - Goldfish Plant

Nematanthus wettsteinii, or Goldfish plant is often used as a house plant but it is hardier than it looks. The Goldfish Plant grows well in light shade and are often planted in hanging baskets. The goldfish shaped orange flowers are often blooming early Spring through Fall in warmer gardens. The goldfish plant can grow in full sun to light shade near the coast but requires sun protection for inland gardens. Good drainage helps tremendously If planted in the ground the goldfish plants can be quite drought tolerant. Goldfish plants can be easily started from cuttings. Some folks get skin irritation from the juices of these plants. I had one goldfish plant limp back from a Winter bout with temperatures in the low 20°s F, but it took a couple of months before it started growing again. This goldfish plant was planted next to the goldfish pond, no doubt to keep company with those fish. The fish are significantly tougher than the plant. With overhead protection Nematanthus wettsteinii is generally hardy into the high 20°s F.