Nerve Plant

Like many tropical plants, Fittonia should be kept slightly moist at all times. During the growing season, water your plant until the soil is moist throughout. During the winter season, when the plant isn’t actively growing, the soil should be allowed to partially dry out before watering again. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, however. Check the pot’s drainage holes periodically to make sure they are not clogged.

Fittonia prefers bright, indirect light. However, it is not tolerant to direct sun light, which can cause the leaves to look sun burned and dry out. Avoid exposing them to direct morning or afternoon sun light. They can even thrive in darker rooms, as long as they receive sufficient light from a nearby window.

Fittonia plants prefer a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). The plant will tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) but avoid temperatures below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius).

High humidity is important for this plant; keep the humidity around 50 to 80%. To increase the humidity, you can mist the leaves with a spray bottle. A humidity tray or pebble tray is also an effective method for keeping the humidity near the plant.

Fittonia prefers a soil that is medium in texture with good drainage. For optimal growth, choose a soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Make sure the soil is relatively light and contains plenty of organic material to retain moisture and promote drainage.

Fertilize your Fittonia once every two to three weeks during its growing season. To promote blooming and healthy foliage, use a dilute solution of balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Make sure to not over-fertilize, as this can cause the leaves to fade and the plant to wilt.

Fittonia plants are relatively hardy and generally don’t attract many pests. However, they can be affected by whitefly, scale, and mealybugs. If you find any of these pests, make sure to act quickly. For whitefly, you can spray the leaves with a soapy water solution to get rid of the bugs. For scale and mealybugs, you can dab the bugs with rubbing alcohol or use pest control products. Suitable insecticides include Neem oil and pyrethrin-based insecticides.

It is recommended to repot your Fittonia every two to three years. When you repot, make sure to choose a pot that is slightly larger than its current one and use fresh, high-quality potting soil. If you choose to switch to a container with no drainage holes, make sure to not overwater the plant. If you don’t need to repot, it is beneficial to mix new soil into the old potting soil.

You can prune your Fittonia to keep it in a more compact and shapely form. Pinch off any dead or broken foliage and use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to trim overlapping stems and leaves. Prune the stems back to the desired length and shape.

Using a layer of mulch over the soil will help retain moisture and keep the roots of the plant healthy. Use a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic material like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost.

Propagating Fittonia is relatively simple and can be accomplished by division or stem cuttings. To propagate by division, remove your plant from the pot and gently separate the root ball into two or more sections. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch stem cutting and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a moist, well-drained soil and keep it in a bright, warm spot until roots form. Cover the cutting with a plastic dome to help keep the soil moist.

Fittonia plants do not typically need any additional support, as stems are relatively thick and sturdy. If stems are leaning or tipping over, you can add bamboo stakes or twine to hold them upright until they become more established.

Fittonia doesn’t go through a true dormancy. However, during the winter months, it is best to cut back on watering and fertilizing to encourage the plant to slow down its growth and restore itself for the next growing season.

Fittonia plants are not toxic to pets.