Fittonia (Nerve Plant) Care: What to Know

Find out how to take care of beautiful nerve plant (Fittonia). Learn what the plant needs in terms of watering, lighting, fertilizing, humidity and more. Get nerve plant to grow happy and healthy in your indoor garden. Fittonia can be a little finicky, but if you know the secrets to keeping nerve plant happy, you will have good luck with this beauty in your indoor garden.

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Video Transcript

Hello, and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in The Great Indoors! If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, I have a plant care video on Fittonia. These beautiful plants, also known as nerve plants, have stunning color patterns and intricate veining on their leaves. The veining resembles the nervous system, which is why they are called nerve plants. Fittonia plants are either creeping or trailing, depending on the species. Some grow upright like this one, while others tend to hug the ground more.
Fittonia originates from the tropical rainforests of South America, where it grows as ground cover in the shade. These plants have eye-catching, brightly colored leaves in various combinations, including reds, greens, pinks, creams, yellows, and whites. Occasionally, Fittonia will bloom with creamy white or yellow flowers. Depending on the species, these plants typically grow six to eight inches tall, though some may grow slightly taller.
Caring for Fittonia:
Lighting:
Fittonia thrives in indirect, filtered light. In their native habitat, they grow as ground cover in the shade, so they can tolerate medium to low light. This is great because many plants with vibrant colors require bright light, but Fittonia is an exception. They do well in medium light, but if you’re on the lower end of the spectrum, they’ll still be okay. Avoid placing them in a spot that’s too sunny, as the leaves will scorch, developing brown, crispy areas. Keep them several feet away from windows, and ensure the window has filtering, such as a sheer curtain or nearby trees providing shade. If they’re in too dark of an area, their variegation will fade, so aim for a balance.
Watering:
Fittonia does well in terrariums due to their preference for humid and moist environments. While they like it on the wet side, they don’t want to be in soggy soil. Consistent moisture is key, but avoid overly wet conditions. Water the plant when the moisture meter reads around five, maybe just before it dips to four. Use warm water, as cold water can cause leaf spotting and root die-back, leading to root rot. If you miss a watering, Fittonia tends to perk back up after being watered, but try not to drought them regularly, as it can wear down the plant over time.
Humidity:
Fittonia prefers humidity levels around 50%. If your home’s humidity is 45% or lower, try to provide extra humidity. You can mist the plant several times a day, place it over a humidity tray, or use a humidifier. Alternatively, grouping Fittonia with other plants can help as they humidify each other through the release of water vapor from their stomata. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity in your home.
Temperature:
Fittonia prefers warmer temperatures, ideally between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, avoid letting the temperature drop below 65 degrees, as they don’t like cold weather. Use a hygrometer to find the best spot in your home, but keep them away from heating or air conditioning vents, as these can dry out the air around the plant.
Fertilizing:
Use a well-balanced organic fertilizer for houseplants with an NPK ratio lower than 10, such as 8-8-8 or 7-7-7. Since Fittonia isn’t a heavy feeder, apply fertilizer at half strength every six to eight weeks from spring through fall. Avoid fertilizing in the winter.
Pruning and Pinching:
Pinch Fittonia regularly to keep it bushy and full, especially for trailing varieties. If the plant becomes leggy despite pinching, check the lighting, as it may need more light. Over time, the plant may become leggier with age, but consistent pinching will help minimize this.
Repotting:
Fittonia grows slowly and doesn’t require frequent repotting. Repot every two to three years using a moisture-retentive, humus-rich mix. Ensure the soil contains a draining agent like pumice or perlite. Avoid using soils that are too light and drain quickly, as Fittonia prefers heavier, humus-rich soil.
Pests:
Fittonia can occasionally attract mealybugs and spider mites. Treat these pests with neem oil or isopropyl alcohol, and rinse the plant off. Repeat the treatment for at least three consecutive weeks to keep the pests under control.

FAQ's -Nerve Plant (Fittonia) 101

Frequently Asked Questions about Fittonia (Nerve Plant) Care

What type of lighting does Fittonia need?

Fittonia thrives in indirect, filtered light. It can tolerate medium to low light, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight as the leaves can scorch.

How often should I water my Fittonia?

Water Fittonia when the soil’s moisture level is around five on a moisture meter, using warm water. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid soggy conditions.

What humidity level is ideal for Fittonia?

Fittonia prefers humidity levels around 50%. If your home’s humidity is below 45%, mist the plant, use a humidity tray, or a humidifier to increase moisture levels.

What is the best temperature range for Fittonia?

Fittonia grows best in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 65 degrees or placing it near heating or air conditioning vents.

How should I fertilize my Fittonia?

Use a well-balanced organic fertilizer with an NPK ratio lower than 10. Fertilize at half strength every six to eight weeks from spring through fall, and avoid fertilizing in winter.

How do I keep my Fittonia from getting leggy?

Regularly pinch your Fittonia to keep it bushy and full. If it becomes leggy, it may need more light or better watering practices.

How often should I repot my Fittonia?

Fittonia is a slow-growing plant and doesn’t require frequent repotting. Repot every two to three years using a moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil mix with good drainage.

How do I deal with pests on my Fittonia?

Fittonia can occasionally attract mealybugs and spider mites. Treat these pests with neem oil or isopropyl alcohol, and rinse the plant. Repeat treatments for at least three consecutive weeks.