How to Grow Fittonia

Fittonia are mainly grown as houseplants, they can also be grown in pots outdoors given the right climate.

Commonly called the Nerve Plant, they are grown for the attractive foliage characterised by colourful and strongly veined leaves and are available in a number of colours.

Where to Grow Fittonia

They are widely grown in containers indoors and outdoors, well suited to growing in hanging baskets and even in terrariums.

Wherever you grow them they are easy care given the basic requirements of constant moisture, filtered light reasonable drainage and some humidity.

These are a tropical to sub tropical plant and they naturally grow in filtered light, full sun will cause leaf burn fairly quickly.

We are asked how big will a Fittonia grow, and the answer depends on the variety.

How to Grow and Basic Care For Your Fittonia or ‘Nerve Plant’

Growing Medium – You will need a moisture retentive soil, however also one that drains well. Soggy wet soils will cause root problems.
Position – Indoors, grow Fittonia in strong filtered light, full sun will cause problems.
Watering – Make sure that you keep the plants moist, water with water that has been allowed to get to room temperature, cold water can slow growth. Mist spray to maintain humidity and consider sitting the container on a saucer filled with pebbles and water. The container should sit above the water, this will improve humidity.
Temperature – Maintain a daytime temperature of around 21C (70F)
Fertiliser – Use a 1/3 strength liquid fertiliser designed for indoor plants every 3 weeks from spring through summer. A little slow release fertiliser applied in spring will also be beneficial.
Pruning Fittonia – These are a reasonably fast growing plant, to maintain a bushy compact habit, tip prune as required. It is also recommended to prune away flower spikes as they appear, this is a foliage plant and the flowers are insignificant compared to the foliage. Any spent flower spikes should also be removed.
Re-potting If you need to repot your Fittonia the best time to do this is in spring. Every two years should be adequate..

Watering Fittonia

During active growth, from spring through summer to autumn/fall it is best to water regularly, twice a week of every 3 – 4 days. This depends on soil, temperature and other factors, so a wet/dry cycle is recommended.

Deep water with room temperature water.
Allow the pot to drain.
Wait until the soil begins to dry a little before watering again.
Do not allow the pot to sit in saucers of water as this will cause root problems.
Yellow leaves are a common sign of overwatering.

Humidity/Mist Spraying

These are a plant that prefers a humid environment so mist spraying can be beneficial especially indoors where humidity tends to be low. Mist spray in the morning so foliage has time to dry before cooler nighttime temperatures.

You can also grow these plants in a bathroom or in the kitchen where humidity tends to be higher.

Pruning Fittonia

Generally given adequate light Fittonia require little to no pruning. Sometimes they can get leggy and if they do pruning will be required.

Start by removing any flower spikes, and them use snips or scissors to prune back to just above a leaf node. Then try to increase the amount of filtered light to prevent leggy growth in the future.

Dormancy and Overwintering

Fittonia tend to do into dormancy when temperatures drop to below 15C (60f). So bring your plants indoors as the weather cools.
It’s also time to stop fertilising and reduce watering a little.
Keep you plant away from drafts, (they don’t like the cold) and any from heating ducts (they don’t like the dry air). Indoors a little extra humidity can be beneficial.

Propagation

The easiest method of propagation is by division, you can also propagate bt taking stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Cuttings can be propagated in water, however it is easier to plant the cuttings directly into potting mix.

Fittonia Varieties

Two main species are grown.

The larger growing Fittonia gigantea, which can reach 60 cm (24 inches) in height. Deep green foliage with red veins, and purple stems.
Fittonia albivenis (syn. F. verschaffeltti and F.Argyroneura) is the most commonly grown variety as it is the parent of most cultivars this is a very different plant, it is a ground cover or creeper, and is best suited to growing in hanging baskets where the foliage can be allowed to trail over the edges.

It is the modern hybrids with brightly coloured leaf patterns that mainly available for sale. Foliage with Red, Orange and Green leaf patterns are all available

Problems

Be careful when repotting and dividing as transplant shock can be an issue.
A lack of water can cause wilting, this can be overcome by watering as soon as the problem arises. Over watering can also cause wilting.
Overwatering can also cause leaf drop.
Leaves becoming dry and crisp is often a sign of too much direct sun.

Regarded by the ASPCA as being non-toxic to cats and dogs, these attractive plants are widely grown indoors.

Summary Information

Botanical Name – Fittonia
Common Name – Nerve Plant, Mosaic Plant, Painted Net Leaf
Origins – Peru and orther tropical rainforest areas of South America.
Position – Filtered Light/ Dappled Shade
Soil – Moist and well drained.
Height – Varies depending on variety from low growing ground cover to 60 cm (24 inches)
Foliage colour – Varies, greens and reds veined with silver or red.
Flowers – Insignificant.
Frost tolerant – No
Drought tolerant – No

What is Filtered Light ?

Often used when talking about plants, the term filtered light simply means that light from the sun does not directly fall on the plant. Filtered light can be created by a number of means including:

Growing the plant in the shade of other plants, so the light is filtered through the foliage. (dappled shade)
Using shade cloth to filter the light.
Placing the plant where it only receives light that is reflected of a wall.
Having a thin curtain between the plant and direct sunlight.