Nematanthus gregarius aka Guppy Plant

Nematanthus gregarius comes from southeast Brazil. It is an evergreen subshrub, a small shrub that keeps its leaves. It belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. It grows in wet, tropical climates. Its names include goldfish plant, candycorn plant, and clog plant. It is an epiphyte: it grows on other plants for support. It does not feed on those plants. Its roots draw water and nutrients from its surroundings. Outside the tropics, people grow it mostly as a houseplant.

Its stems trail, so it suits hanging baskets. Plants reach about 1.5 feet (0.5 m) tall. They grow about 3 feet (1 m) wide. The RHS gives a wider height range: 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 m). Its spread ranges from 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 m). Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The small, simple leaves feel thick and fleshy. They are dark green, smooth, and glossy. They stay on the plant all year.

Orange flowers bloom in summer against the dark leaves. Each flower forms a tube with a swollen pouch. This shape brings a goldfish to mind. Flowers reach about one inch long and grow in small clusters. The RHS notes up to three flowers per cluster. Both leaves and blooms make it worth growing in pots. Raised pots also suit its growth. The trailing stems can hang over the edge.

Give indoor plants bright light, but filter strong, direct sun. North Carolina State warns against long spells of full sun indoors. Use peat-free potting compost, and give it soft water. Keep the growing medium moist, and let excess water drain. It suits acid to neutral soils. Listed soil types include loam and sand. Choose a sheltered spot when growing it outside in summer. The RHS rates it H1B. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 10b–11b. It cannot cope with heat levels below 50°F (10°C). It can also grow in greenhouses and conservatories.

You need not prune it as a routine task. Pinch young shoot tips to help it form more branches. In spring, take softwood stem-tip cuttings to grow more plants. Aphids may attack it, putting young shoots at risk. Both garden sources report few or no disease problems. North Carolina State says it needs little care. That source also lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.