Yellow Fittonia

Yellow Fittonia prefers its soil to stay evenly moist but can tolerate slightly dry conditions. During the warm seasons, make sure to water the soil whenever it is dry to the touch. During its growth period, fertilize the plant with half-strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks. In the winter, reduce the amount of watering but keep the soil moist.

Yellow Fittonia is a shade-loving plant that does best in a bright-to-medium indirect light space. Too much direct light can cause its dark colored leaves to burn or fade. If kept inside, the best location for this plant is the north or east-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight since it’s easily damaged or faded with too much exposure. It can also do well with artificial fluorescent light.

Although Yellow Fittonia can handle moderate temperature drops, it prefers a steady temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Not only should you avoid extreme temperature conditions but stuffy, drafty, and relatively hot conditions can drastically affect it.

Yellow Fittonia is quite sensitive to changes in humidity, so it’s best to keep it humidity in its preferred range of 50-60%. You can increase humidity levels by misting the plant and setting its pot on a pebble tray filled with water. You can also use a humidifier to increase humidity levels in the air.

Fittonia likes a potting soil that is light, airy, and well-draining. Some potting mix options can include an even ratio of peat moss, perlite, and garden soil. These ingredients help keep the soil moist while promoting good drainage and air circulation throughout the pot.

Yellow Fittonia should be fertilized in the spring and summer months. Use a balanced, liquid fertilizer and dilute it to half-strength before application. In the winter months, reduce the amount of fertilization as the plant is no longer actively growing. During this season, a weak liquid fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer can be used once every few months.

Yellow Fittonia is susceptible to common pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. Physical pests such as scale can also be a problem. For minor pest infestations, insects can be wiped or washed off the leaves and pests can be treated with insecticidal soap. For serious infestations, contact an insect control professional or insect removal expert. If using insecticides or herbicides, make sure that they are labeled safe for use on houseplants.

The soil of Yellow Fittonia should be replaced at least once every other year or when it becomes old and packed. You can repot the plant in early spring with a rich and slightly acidic potting mix. Make sure to use a potting container that is one size larger than the current one. Even though they are quite small, you can also divide them and replant them when the plant gets larger.

Prune your Yellow Fittonia often to keep its shape and size in check and to prevent any dead or damaged parts from spreading. Trim off any dried or yellowed foliage or stems and the shape will be tightened and it will grow denser. If any of the green stems are thinning out, you can cut part of it off.

Mulching around the Fittonia helps to keep the soil temperature consistent throughout the year and aid in water retention. You can use mulching materials like pine needles, shredded bark, or dark cocoa mulch. Make sure the mulch layer is no more than four inches deep and that it doesn’t get in contact with the stem or foliage of the plant.

Yellow Fittonia can propagate both naturally and from manually sectioning it off. Natural propagation occurs when the stems come in contact with moist soil. You can manually section the plant buy twisting off its aerial root. Place the sections in a bowl of water and wait for a few days so the sections can sprout new roots and leaves. After that, replant the new sections into a potting container with moist, rich potting mix.

Yellow Fittonia is a fairly small houseplant that doesn’t require much support but it may require some staking or a trellis if it starts to lean or grow at an angle due to its weight.

Yellow Fittonia does not have an official dormancy or rest period but it is a good idea to cut back on water and fertilizer in the winter months. This will allow for the plant to take a break from growing and reduce the amount of pests it may attract.

No, Yellow Fittonia is not toxic to cats or dogs.