Fittonia Care (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia albivenis (nerve plant)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Medium indirect. No direct sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | Keep evenly moist. Water when the top 1β2 cm is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Moisture-holding: our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | High. Great in terrariums. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Pet safe Terrarium |
| π Grows to | 8β15 cm tall, spreading. |
Fittonia, or nerve plant, has leaves netted with pink, red or white veins. It's small, pet safe and famous for being dramatic: when it's thirsty it collapses completely, then springs back to life within an hour of watering.
Light + placement
Medium, indirect light is ideal. Direct sun scorches the thin leaves. In low light the colours fade and stems get leggy.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist; water when the top 1β2 cm feels dry. It's okay if it faints once in a while, but repeated collapses stress the plant and brown the edges. Don't let it sit in water.
Soil + repotting
A moisture-holding mix like our Tropical Potting Mix. In a terrarium, use a layer of LECA or gravel under the soil for drainage. Repot yearly in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feed monthly from April to September at quarter strength. Pinch the tips to keep it bushy, and pinch off the small flower spikes so the plant puts energy into leaves.
Propagation
Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist soil within a couple of weeks. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Collapsed, flat leaves | Thirsty | Water right away; it recovers within an hour. |
| Crispy brown edges | Dry air or repeated drying out | Raise humidity; water before it faints. |
| Yellow, mushy stems | Overwatering | Let the top dry slightly; improve drainage. |
| Leggy stems, faded colour | Low light | Move to brighter indirect light; pinch back. |
| Scorched patches | Direct sun | Move out of the sun. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for every fittonia, from pink and red to white-veined 'Forest'. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my fittonia keep fainting?
It's thirsty. Water more often, or move it to a terrarium where it stays moist.
Is fittonia safe for pets?
Yes. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Can fittonia live in a closed terrarium?
Yes, it's one of the best terrarium plants.
Should I cut off the flowers?
Yes. Pinching the small spikes keeps the leaves full.
Fittonia care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- LECA Clay Pebbles: For pebble trays and semi-hydro growing.
- Squeezy Watering Bottle: Precise watering for small pots and terrariums.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Lithops Β· Indoor Palms Β· Peace Lily Β· Pilea Β· Pitcher Plant Β· String of Pearls Β· Cactus Β· Olive Tree Β· All plant care β