Fittonia Nerve plant red 4 inch

Nerve plant (Fittonia spp.), which is sometimes known as mosaic plant, net plant, or simply Fittonia, makes an excellent choice for apartments, offices, and anywhere else with limited space. This compact native of South American rainforests happily displays its colorful, patterned leaves in a variety of light conditions. It especially thrives in bright, indirect light, where it matures at 3 to 6 inches high. Even though it has tropical “roots,” nerve plant is easier to care for than some houseplants.

Lawn & Garden
This Guide to Nerve Plant Care will Yield Flashy Foliage for Your Living Decor Collection
Add a little splash of color to your home with this compact, easy-care houseplant.
By Mark Wolfe | Published Oct 25, 2021 12:55 PM

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nerve plant care 101 - how to grow nerve plant indoors
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Nerve plant is one of those bright little gems that grabs your attention as you stroll through the garden center. This compact, spreading plant is known for its intense green foliage, highlighted by brightly colored leaf veins that give the impression of netting. The small size and attention-grabbing colors make nerve plants popular choices for terrariums, desktops, and for mixed foliage gardens. Don’t worry, it is not hard to grow.

If you’ve seen this plant online or at your local plant store and wondered if it is right for you, we can help. Take a quick read through the following plant profile, then go ahead and start shopping for your favorite variety. It’s likely that your home has a little space that will be just right for growing one of these little beauties.

Nerve Plant Care at a Glance
Common names: Fittonia, nerve plant, mosaic plant, net plant
Scientific names: Fittonia albivenis, Fittonia argyroneura
Soil: Consistently moist, well drained
Light: Low to medium
Water: Medium to high
Food: 20-20-20
Temperature and humidity: 70 degrees Fahrenheit, high humidity
Propagation: Seed, cuttings
Safety: Nontoxic, low allergen

Nerve Plant Characteristics
Nerve plant (Fittonia spp.), which is sometimes known as mosaic plant, net plant, or simply Fittonia, makes an excellent choice for apartments, offices, and anywhere else with limited space. This compact native of South American rainforests happily displays its colorful, patterned leaves in a variety of light conditions. It especially thrives in bright, indirect light, where it matures at 3 to 6 inches high. Even though it has tropical “roots,” nerve plant is easier to care for than some houseplants.

Light
Nerve plants thrive under a wide range of light conditions from low to bright, indirect sunshine. If lighting is excessive, the foliage may begin to turn brown at the tips or take on a yellowish or tan sunburn. In extremely low light, the vein coloration will fade to green. The ideal situation would be near a brightly lit window, but behind a sheer curtain that filters the sun’s direct rays. Even then, be careful not to place the plant in an area with too-low humidity or where the soil dries too quickly.

Water
Proper watering is a critical part of Fittonia care. In a right-sized container with good soil and high humidity, the nerve plant should be able to go 4 to 7 days between waterings. Water when the soil surface begins to dry, but do not wait for it to become crusty. Timing will vary based on soil texture, ambient humidity, temperature, and numerous other factors.

If the plant needs water more than twice a week, consider making an adjustment that will reduce the need. Inspect the soil and roots to see if the plant has outgrown the pot or if the soil texture has degraded. Check the growing location to see if it gets a draft from a heating or air conditioning vent, or if it is simply too warm and dry.