Fittonia - Care Sheet
Fittonia albivenis
Overview
Fittonia, commonly known as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, is an evergreen perennial native to the tropical rainforests of South America, especially Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and northern Brazil. The most widely cultivated species is *Fittonia albivenis*, prized for its lush green leaves with striking veins in white, pink, or red that resemble a nerve network. These low-growing plants typically reach 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and spread as groundcover, making them excellent for pots, terrariums, or hanging baskets. Fittonias thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, but they are moderately challenging to care for due to their sensitivity to dryness and light conditions (source: wikipedia.org, gardendesign.com, ces.ncsu.edu).Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Fittonia albivenis |
|---|---|
| Common name | Nerve plant, mosaic plant |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Pet‑safe? | Yes, non-toxic |
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Water | Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy |
| Humidity | High (60%+ preferred) |
| Temperature | 18–29°C / 65–85°F; minimum 13°C / 55°F |
| Soil | Well-draining, fertile, peat-based potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season |
| Repotting | Every 1–2 years or when root-bound |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Light
Fittonia prefers bright, filtered light but should be shielded from direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Ideal placement is near a north- or east-facing window or under fluorescent lighting indoors. It tolerates medium light levels but will lose vibrancy and become leggy in low light (source: jordansjungle.net, gardendesign.com).Water
Maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging. Fittonia is known to "faint" dramatically if it dries out but usually recovers quickly after watering. Water roughly twice a week, adjusting frequency based on temperature and humidity. Avoid letting the soil dry completely, as this causes leaf curling and drop (source: ces.ncsu.edu, gardendesign.com).Humidity
High humidity is essential for Fittonia's health. Aim for at least 60% humidity to prevent leaf shriveling and browning edges. Use a humidifier, pebble tray with water, or group plants together to raise ambient moisture. This makes Fittonia ideal for terrariums or bathrooms with natural light (source: gardendesign.com, patchplants.com).Temperature
Fittonia thrives in warm indoor temperatures ranging from 18–29°C (65–85°F). It should never be exposed to temperatures below 13°C (55°F) as it is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden drops, which can cause stress and leaf damage (source: wikipedia.org, ces.ncsu.edu).Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter, ideally peat-based, to retain moisture without becoming soggy. A soil mix for tropical houseplants or aroid blends works well. Because Fittonia has shallow roots, a small to medium container suffices. Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot (source: wikipedia.org, ces.ncsu.edu).Feeding
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leaf burn or excessive leggy growth. No feeding is necessary during the plant's winter dormancy period (source: gardendesign.com).Repotting
Repot Fittonia every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot. Spring is the best time to repot, using fresh soil to replenish nutrients. Gently loosen root-bound plants and trim any dead roots before transferring to a slightly larger container (source: patchplants.com).Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Fittonia is by stem cuttings. Select healthy stems with at least 2–3 leaves, cut just below a node, and place in water or moist potting mix. Roots usually develop within a few weeks. Keep cuttings in warm, humid conditions with indirect light for best success (source: ruralsprout.com).Common Problems
Wilting due to underwatering
Fittonia quickly wilts if soil dries out but usually revives after watering. Prevent by maintaining consistent moisture.Leaf scorch from direct sunlight
Leaves may brown and curl if exposed to strong sun. Move the plant to a shadier spot with filtered light.Root rot from overwatering
Poor drainage or excessive watering causes root rot, leading to yellowing leaves and plant decline. Use well-draining soil and allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.Spider mites and scale
Watch for tiny pests causing speckled leaves or sticky residue. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Leaf drop in dry air
Low humidity causes leaf edges to brown and drop. Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier (source: missouribotanicalgarden.org, gardendesign.com).Toxicity & Pet Safety
Fittonia albivenis is non-toxic and safe for pets, including cats and dogs. This makes it an excellent choice for pet-friendly households. However, as with any plant, ingestion of large amounts could cause mild digestive upset (source: gardendesign.com).Seasonal Care
During winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows and avoid cold drafts. Maintain humidity and temperature within recommended ranges to prevent stress. Remove any flower spikes to encourage foliage growth. In spring and summer, increase watering and feeding to support active growth and propagation (source: patchplants.com).Quick Tips
- Place Fittonia in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun. - Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. - Maintain high humidity (60%+) to prevent leaf damage. - Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. - Fertilize monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer. - Propagate easily from stem cuttings in warm, moist conditions. - Watch for pests like spider mites and treat promptly. - Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and prevent root crowding.
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