Fittonia Plant

Description

🌿 Fittonia Plant (Nerve Plant) – Detailed Description

Fittonia, commonly known as the Nerve Plant, is a small, eye-catching tropical houseplant native to the rainforests of South America, particularly Peru. It is loved for its striking leaf patterns and compact growth, making it a popular choice for terrariums, tabletops, and shaded indoor spaces.

🍃 Appearance:

• Leaves: Fittonia features soft, oval-shaped leaves with a stunning network of contrasting veins—typically in white, pink, or red—that resemble nerves, hence the name “Nerve Plant.”

• Colors: Leaf veins come in vibrant shades of white, pink, red, or even purple, depending on the variety, against a backdrop of deep green leaves.

• Size: Usually grows low and spreads out, making it ideal as a ground cover or compact indoor plant. It typically grows to 3–6 inches in height.

☀️ Light Requirements:

• Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.

• Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves.

• Does well under fluorescent lighting, making it suitable for offices.

💧 Watering & Humidity:

• Fittonia loves high humidity and consistently moist (but not soggy) soil.

• It is sensitive to drying out—when underwatered, it may wilt dramatically but often revives quickly with a drink.

• Ideal for terrariums or humid spots like bathrooms.

🌡️ Temperature:

• Thrives in temperatures between 60–80°F (16–27°C).

• Keep it away from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.

🪴 Soil & Potting:

• Prefers well-draining, peat-based potting mix.

• Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot.

🌿 Care Tips:

• Pinch back the tips regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier shape.

• Mist regularly if grown outside a terrarium to maintain humidity.

• Not a heavy feeder—monthly diluted liquid fertilizer during growing season is enough.

⚠️ Toxicity:

• Fittonia is considered non-toxic to both pets and humans, making it a safe choice for homes with animals or children.

🌸 Flowers:

• Fittonia may occasionally produce small, white or yellowish spikes of flowers, but they are not very showy and often removed to preserve plant energy for leaf growth.

🌱 Popular Varieties:

1. Fittonia albivenis ‘Argyroneura’ – Green leaves with white veins

2. Fittonia albivenis ‘Verschaffeltii’ – Green leaves with red or pink veins

3. Fittonia ‘Frankie’ – Pink leaves with deep green edges