Welcome to the ultimate Nerve Plant care guide! The wonderful Fittonia, often called a Nerve Plant, is a beautiful houseplant known for its small ovate leaves and striking patterned foliage, a network of veins in a variety of colours.
Whether you're a green-thumbed pro or a curious beginner, this guide has everything you need to transform your Fittonia into the star of your indoor jungle. From light and watering tips to fertilizing and beyond, let's dive in and help your Nerve plant thrive like never before!
If ordinary plants just won't do, dive into our world of extraordinary! Discover our curated selection of exotic houseplants that are anything but basic.
Fittonia Overview
Fittonia belong to the Acanthaceae family, which typically are found on the tropical forest floor of South America, where they are creeping ground cover. They are known as a nerve plant due to the veining on their leaves that almost resembles the human nervous system. It has been used in traditional medicines in the past for headaches, and liver problems.
These plants are loved for their beautiful, bright and colourful veining. The ovate green foliage has a range of contrasting veins in colours such as pinks, reds, oranges and white. These are small plants and slow growers rarely exceeding heights taller than 6 inches, but can trail up to 18 inches. They are a fantastic addition to terrariums due to their small nature, colours and love of humidity.
Named after two English women (Elizabeth and Mary Fitton) by the Belgian botanist Eugène Coemans in 1865. The sisters had written a book called “Conversations on Botany.” They have become a popular houseplant and even more popular for use in terrariums.
How to Look After a Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Light:
For best results, pop in a spot where it will receive bright light out of direct sunlight. In their native habitat, they grow in the understory of a bright canopy so they don't receive any direct sun. Therefore, they are very sensitive to direct sun, which can burn their delicate foliage. A north-facing window in a kitchen or bathroom would be ideal placement.
Temperature and Humidity:
Fittonias prefer temperatures between 15°C - 26°C. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, it will be hard to recover if this plant gets too cold. Fittonias also prefer high-humidity environments as they are native to the rainforests.
Mist around the leaves occasionally or place a tray of pebbles with water beneath the plant to increase humidity levels or use a humidifier. A Steamy bathroom is also a good spot. Be mindful of placing your plant near air-conditioning vents or heaters, as these can cause dryness and shriveling leaves.
The best way to keep your fittonia alive is placing it in a terrarium where it can receive high humidity.
Watering:
Fittonias plants do not like to be sitting in a pool of water. Let the top inch or two of the soil dry out before watering, the soil should feel dry if you push your finger into the soil. Too much water can cause the leaves to become limp and yellow. Wait till you can see water coming out the drainage holes and chuck any excess away.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced further in winter months to avoid root rot. Make sure to always use lukewarm water as Fittonias can be sensitive to temperature changes and this could damage the roots.
If Fittonias are left to dry out too much, it can wilt and collapse, however, once watered, this will quickly recover. If this happens too often or is left to dry for an extended period, it can be more difficult for the plant to recover.
Fertilising:
Fittonias enjoy a feed every 2 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer). As a general rule, don't feed in winter or just after a repot. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser packaging for proper application. We sell an organic pure seaweed extract that, when diluted, is a great feed for plants including Nerve Plants.
How to Re-pot a Fittonia
Fittonias will only need a re-pot when they get too big for their current pot and roots are coming out the bottom, this is best done in spring or summer. Before a re-pot, it is best to give the plant water 24 hours before to avoid transplant shock. Try to avoid repotting plants in winter.
- Choose a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes at the bottom.
- Carefully remove the Fittonia from its current pot, gently loosening the root ball.
- Place it in the new pot and add fresh, well-draining potting mix around the roots.
- Gently press the soil to ensure the roots are bedded in. Avoid pressing too hard on the soil as this can cause it to compact.
- Water the plant thoroughly after repotting.
How to Propagate a Fittonia
Propagating a Fittonia is an exciting way to grow new plants and can be done by division or stem cuttings - we will be explaining the latter. Follow these steps:
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Choose a Healthy Shoot: Use clean, sharp foliage snips and make a cut at an angle, making sure you have at least 2 nodes on the stem.
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Re-pot: Place the cutting in a new container with fresh well-draining soil and pop in a warm but bright indirect spot. You can also use a rooting hormone which will increase your chances of success. Find ours here.
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Wait: in a couple of weeks you should be able to give your cutting a little tug to see if it has rooted.
How to Prune a Fittonia
Pruning your Fittonia encourages healthy growth. Trim yellow or brown leaves or damaged leaves, as well as leggy stems, as this will encourage the plant to become bushy. Make clean cuts.
How to Take a Cutting from a Fittonia
Taking cuttings for propagation follows a similar process as mentioned earlier. Ensure you choose a healthy shoot growing from the main plant, make a clean cut, and follow the propagation steps.
How Often Should I Water a Fittonia
Watering frequency depends on various factors like humidity, temperature, and pot size. As a general rule, check the soil and water when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Water less in winter and more frequently during the growing season. Plants in shadier locations will need less water than those in brighter spots.
Why Are My Fittonias Leaves Going Yellow/Drooping/ Shrivelled
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Yellow Leaves: Yellowing leaves can result from overwatering or poor drainage. Adjust your watering and lighting conditions accordingly. Check the roots for rot and re-pot if necessary.
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Drooping leaves: can be a sign of underwatering or overwatering. Check your soil and adjust your watering accordingly.
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Shriveled leaves: can be a sign of low humidity, underwatering or too much sun. To increase humidity, you can use a humidifier, place in a steamy bathroom or plant in a terrarium. Assess where your plant is placed and move to an area that receives bright but no direct sun.
Are Fittonia Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?
No, Fittonias are safe to have around your furry friends and are also safe for humans so you needn’t worry about them around small children.
With these expert tips, you're well-equipped to care for your Fittonia! Happy growing!
