Fittonia green (nerve plant)

Description

As the nerve plant originates in a tropical setting, it flourishes within a high humidity environment. Misting may be required to maintain humid-like conditions. Fittonia nerve plant likes well-drained moist soil, but not too wet. Water moderately and let growing nerve plants dry out between waterings. Use room temperature water on the plant to avoid shock. Growing about 3 to 6 inches (7.5-15 cm.) by 12 to 18 inches (30-45.5 cm.) or longer, the Fittonia nerve plant tolerates bright light to shade conditions but will truly flourish with bright, indirect light. Low light exposure will cause these plants to revert to green, losing the vein’s vibrant splashes of color. Growing nerve plants should be placed in a warm area, avoiding drafts that will shock the plant just as water that is too cold or hot. Think about rain forest conditions and treat your Fittonia nerve houseplants accordingly. Feed as recommended for tropical houseplants per the instructions of your fertilizer brand. The trailing nature of the plant can lead to a strange appearance. Prune the tips of the nerve plant to create a bushier plant.

Light

As a tropical plant that naturally grows in the humid, bright shade of tropical forests, this plant prefers similar conditions when grown as a houseplant. It dislikes full sunlight, preferring bright, indirect sun, such as that offered by north-facing windows. It will also thrive under fluorescent lights.

Soil

Fittonia grows well in standard potting soil with a peat moss base. The soil should retain some moisture but should also drain well.

Water

Keeping the plant appropriately moist can be a challenge. The nerve plant is prone to collapse if it’s allowed to dry out.2 Although it will recover quickly if thoroughly watered, repeated fainting spells will eventually take their toll on the plant. At the other extreme, Fittonia plants that are allowed to stagnate in water will develop yellowed, limp leaves.

Temperature and Humidity

The nerve plant thrives at temperatures around 21°C but will tolerate a range from the low 15°C to 26°C. These plants prefer humid conditions similar to those found in rainforests. Regular misting will keep the plants from drying out. In arid climates or during the dry months of winter, using a room humidifier may be helpful. Terrariums or bottle gardens are naturally moist environments well suited to the plant.

Fertilizer

During its growing season, feed plants weekly with a weak dose of liquid fertilizer formulated for tropical plants.

Difficulty: Temperamental

Light: Bright indirect sunlight

Watering: Water once a week

Place: Bright indoors

Character: Air-purifying

Note:

The displayed image is for illustration purposes only. The actual product may vary in shape or design as per availability. The leaf numbers, plant size, and appearance may depend upon the season, age, and height of the plant. The plant will be shipped in a plastic container if pot details are not specified in the product.