What is Nematanthus?

Nematanthus is a genus of approximately 30 species of plants from South America, which are in the African purple family, gesneriaceae . Some of these flowering plants are perennials while others are shrubs. They are mostly epiphytic and grow on trees. These types of plants have a spreading stems and are generally grown as suspended basket plants. Many Nematanthus species were previously considered a Hykocyrta family. The branches are usually 1 foot (30 cm), ending and covered with small oval leaves. 1 inch (2.5 cm) Long, orange flowers are in the shape of a bag and have what seems to be a mouth reminiscent of a goldfish. So this species is sometimes known as the goldfish plant .h as Florida. Plants may suffer permanent damage if the temperature drops below 50 ° C (10 ° C) for six or more hours. The ideal temperature for growth is from 65 to 80 ° F (18.3-26.7 ° C). Nematanthus species can be grown as houseplants or in greenhouses.

It is important that the plants are in a humid environment. Grouping plants together can help. Plants are often placed on rocks with water below them or on slot trays that hold water. If light conditions are suitable, plants can be grown in rooms that are wet, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Plants can also be reflected.

Nematanthus care requirements are quite similar to the requirements of African Fials. They require scattered or filtered light to be successful and can grow well below 14 to 16 hours of artificial light a day. Gold fish plants should not be subjected to direct Sunlight.

Gold fish plants grow best if they are kept evenly moist. To achieve this, it is extremely important that their pots have good drainage, usually from the hole on the bottom, so that excess water can drain. These types of plants should be treated with complete fertilizer when the soil is wet. If they receive appropriate careOr, they can produce flowers throughout the year.

promotion is usually done from cuttings. Plants in the African purple family grow best with a special artificial watering mixture that can be purchased in garden centers. It is usually a mixture of moss, sand and perlite or vermiculite peat bogs.