How to Grow Fittonia

Fittonia are mainly grown as houseplants, and with attractive foliage characterised by colourful and strongly veined leaves that are available in a number of colours.

They are widely grown in containers, hanging baskets and even in terrariums. Wherever you grow them they require constant moisture, 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.

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.

Basic Care

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..

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.

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
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.