How to Prune Goldfish Plant

Nematanthus gregarius

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Prune Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) after its main bloom period, typically in late spring, by cutting trailing stems back by about a third. This encourages the plant to branch out, grow fuller, and produce a new flush of the orange pouch-shaped flowers it is named for. Avoid cutting into old, woody stem sections as they are slow to produce new shoots.

When is the best time to prune?

Goldfish Plant blooms most in spring and early summer indoors, so pruning is timed to follow that main bloom flush rather than to outdoor seasons.

Pacific

May–Jul (post-bloom trim)

Mountain

May–Jul (post-bloom trim)

Midwest

May–Jul (post-bloom trim)

Northeast

May–Jul (post-bloom trim)

Southeast

May–Jul (post-bloom trim)

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Why Should I Prune My Goldfish Plant?

Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is a trailing tropical houseplant that produces small, orange, fish-shaped flowers along its stems. Without any pruning, the long stems become bare at the base over time, with flowers and foliage concentrated at the tips.

Pruning after the main bloom period encourages the plant to branch below each cut. New stems emerge from just below the cut point, which means a pruned plant ends up with more growing tips and, eventually, more flowers. The goal is a fuller, more balanced hanging basket or pot rather than a few very long bare stems.

Cut trailing stems back by about a third after the main bloom flush ends in late spring or early summer. Cut just above a leaf node, the point where a leaf meets the stem. Avoid cutting into stem sections that are fully woody and have no leaves, as these are unlikely to push new shoots.

Keep the plant in a warm, bright spot after pruning. Goldfish Plant prefers bright indirect light and is sensitive to cold drafts, which can cause leaf drop. Good light speeds recovery after pruning.

Know Before You Cut

Difficulty Easy

Max removal Up to 1/3 of stem length per session

Growth pattern Trailing epiphytic houseplant

Tools Clean scissors or pruners

What Should I Remove?

Cut trailing stems back by a third after the main bloom flush

Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching

Remove yellow or dead leaves throughout the year

Keep the plant warm and in bright light after pruning

Don't cut into fully woody stem sections with no leaves

Don't prune while buds are forming; wait until after peak bloom

Don't expose the plant to cold drafts during recovery

How Do I Prune Step by Step?

Wait for the main bloom flush to finish

Hold off on any significant pruning until the main spring bloom period is winding down. Pruning while buds are actively forming removes the flowers before they open.

Cut trailing stems back by a third

Using clean scissors, cut each long trailing stem back by about a third of its length. Make the cut just above a leaf node. Try to leave each stem with several sets of leaves below the cut.

Remove bare or dead stem sections

If any stem segments have lost all their leaves and are clearly bare and woody, cut these back to the nearest point where healthy green foliage begins.

Remove yellow or damaged leaves

Snip any yellowed or damaged leaves from throughout the plant. These can accumulate in the center of the basket and reduce airflow.

Move to bright indirect light after pruning

Place the plant in a warm spot with bright indirect light. New stems will emerge from the cut points within 2–4 weeks. Resume normal watering but hold fertilizer until you see new growth.

Got More Questions?

Why isn't my Goldfish Plant blooming after pruning?

Goldfish Plant blooms on new growth, so pruning can temporarily delay flowering while the plant produces new stems. Give it 6–8 weeks in bright light after pruning and buds should begin forming on the new growth.

My plant has gotten very long and bare. Can I cut it back hard?

You can cut back by up to a third at a time. For a severely bare plant, do this in two rounds spaced 4–6 weeks apart to avoid shocking the plant. Avoid cutting into sections that are fully woody with no leaves.

Can I root the cuttings from pruning?

Yes. Stem tip cuttings with 3–4 sets of leaves root easily in moist potting mix or water. Place in a warm, bright spot and expect roots within 3–4 weeks.

My Goldfish Plant is dropping leaves but not after pruning. What is wrong?

Leaf drop is most often caused by cold drafts, inconsistent watering, or low humidity. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and drafty windows. The plant prefers temperatures above 60 F.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Pruning guidance verified against Nematanthus gregarius growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

4,667+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 10a–11b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Royal Horticultural Society

More about Goldfish Plant

Benefits Bugs Direct Sunlight Fertilizing Flower Humidity Black Spots on Leaves Brown Spots on Leaves Leaves Curling Leaves Drooping Leaves Dropping Leaves Falling Over Leaves Mushy Yellow Leaves Light Requirements Overview Problems Propagating Repotting Root Rot Soil Temperature How Often to Water

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