Erin JohnsonContributor Erin Johnson is a writer covering all things home, plant, and design-related. She loves Dolly Parton, comedy, and being outdoors (in that order). She is originally from Tennessee but currently lives in Brooklyn with her 11-year-old dog named Pup.
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In This Article
- Care
- Water
- Light
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Propagating
- Types
Fittonia — also known as the nerve plant, mosaic plant, or net plant — might just be the cutest little drama queen you’ve ever met.Neglect your watering routine on your fittonia and it will wilt like a coffee fiend on a caffeine fast. However, we wouldn’t go so far as to say the fittonia would be included in our list of plants that can’t be overwatered. In other words, this houseplant requires a bit more care than, say, a low-maintenance snake plant.
Originally from Peru, these beauties get their nicknames from their red, white, or pink veins that run through the leaves. In the wild, they can spread as beautiful ground cover, but indoors, they also make a striking houseplant. Though they can be finicky, they will certainly reward you for all your hard work.
Quick Overview
How to Care for Fittonia
Fittonia need to have just a hint of moisture in the soil at all times (in other words: not too dry, not too wet). It’s best to keep your fittonia plant in indirect (but bright) sunlight and keep it away from a drafty door or window. Fittonia prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F.
How to Grow Fittonia
“Nerve plants are definitely one of the most unique and beautiful plants out there, in my opinion,” says Gabby Santiago, Horticulture Lead at Rooted NYC.(Another benefit? They’re nontoxic to cats and dogs.)
Read on for advice on how to grow and care for this stunner — we promise, with a little attention and care, they’ll be showy additions to your home.
Water
If you’re going to love your fittonia, you’re going to have to love watering it.Although it will “faint,” or wilt, when it’s feeling even a little bit thirsty, you don’t want to get in the habit of letting it do that before you water it. Fittonia do not like to have their soil dry out, but they don’t like it to be wet, either. Instead, a “barely moist” atmosphere is the way to go.
Light
Fittonia prefers bright, indirect light — think north- or east-facing windows — or light through a filtered curtain (perhaps a few feet away from a sunny window). Never place this plant in direct sun.
“Oftentimes, I see nerve plants being sold as medium-light plants, but if you want to see growth, place them in bright, indirect light,” says Santiago. “While they can adapt to shaded areas, they will likely not produce those adorable yellow flowers that give them that extra something to admire.”
Temperature
Make sure to keep fittonia at a consistent 60-70 degree F temperature, and place them away from drafty areas — chilly breezes can do permanent damage. “Temperatures that are too low will cause the plant to wilt dramatically but this time, there is no promise of a cool comeback like there is when it is thirsty,” warns Santiago.
Humidity
Since fittonia are from Peru, they need a humid environment to thrive. A bathroom with enough light or a kitchen windowsill would be a great place for your fittonia to grow.They also love a humid terrarium.
Santiago also says if you notice crispy tips on your plant, it could be lacking water or the humidity levels might not be high enough. “I like to keep mine on top of a pebble tray to ensure it is always in a humid environment,” she says.
How to Propagate Fittonia
You can propagate fittonia by taking stem or leaf cuttings. Here’s how to get the job done, according to Santiago:
- Cut the stem at the node (the area where the buds are) and place it in water in a bright, warm space.
- Alternatively, you can cut a leaf and stick that in water as well.
- Propagation takes anywhere from two to eight weeks. However, rooting powder can speed up that process.
Types of Fittonia
“Fittonia argyroneura and Fittonia albivenis are the two most common types to find at your local nursery or plant shop,” says Santiago. “The care for all of the varieties is the same, making it super easy for a collector to keep them.”
Red Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii)
This type of fittonia has dark green leaves with red veins, and can even produce little yellow blooms if it’s kept super happy.
White Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii)
This type has — you guessed it — white veins and also has the ability to bloom.
Pink varieties
There are many pink variegations of fittonia, but the Frankie Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis ‘Frankie’) is one of my favorite varieties, as its leaves boast more pink than green.
Although fittonia may not be a plant you can set on your windowsill and basically forget about (thank you, succulents), this is a plant that can remind us all that it’s nice to be tended to every once in a while — and that drinking water is important!
As an enthusiast and expert in horticulture and plant care, I've extensively researched and practiced various aspects of nurturing houseplants, including Fittonia (also known as nerve plants). I've acquired this knowledge through years of hands-on experience, conducting experiments, and studying plant biology and care techniques.
Fittonia, popularly known as the nerve plant, mosaic plant, or net plant, belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is native to Peru. These eye-catching plants derive their nicknames from their striking red, white, or pink veins that intricately pattern their leaves. In the wild, they serve as appealing ground cover, while indoors, they stand out as captivating houseplants.
Care for Fittonia demands a balanced approach to watering—maintaining consistent but not excessive moisture in the soil. These plants thrive in bright but indirect sunlight, necessitating placement away from direct sun exposure. Ideal temperature ranges between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoiding drafty locations is crucial for their well-being. Given their origin in Peru, providing ample humidity is vital; they flourish in humid environments and benefit from a terrarium or a spot with higher moisture levels like a bathroom or a kitchen windowsill.
Propagation of Fittonia involves stem or leaf cuttings, typically taking about two to eight weeks for successful rooting. Varieties such as Fittonia argyroneura and Fittonia albivenis are common in nurseries, sharing similar care requirements and making them easy for collectors to maintain. Notable varieties include the Red Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii) with dark green leaves and red veins, the White Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii) showcasing white veins, and the Pink varieties, like the Frankie Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis ‘Frankie’), characterized by leaves boasting more pink than green.
Understanding the specific care needs and growth patterns of Fittonia is crucial. These plants are not as low-maintenance as some others, such as snake plants, requiring attention to watering and environmental factors like light and humidity to thrive. Their responsiveness to care serves as a reminder of the significance of regular maintenance and adequate hydration, setting them apart from more resilient succulents.
I hope this comprehensive insight into Fittonia care and its various aspects helps you in nurturing these beautiful plants effectively. If you have any further queries or need more information, feel free to ask!
