Plant care guide
How to care for Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Fittonia albivenis (white, pink, and red-veined forms)
Nerve plants have small leaves etched with bright white, pink, or red veins that look like hand-drawn mosaic. They are compact and colorful, and while they are famous for dramatically fainting when thirsty, they perk right back up after a drink.
Also known as: Nerve Plant, Fittonia, Mosaic Plant, Painted Net Leaf, Silver Net Leaf, White Nerve Plant, Pink Nerve Plant, Red Nerve Plant, Red Fittonia, Fittonia verschaffeltii
Just arrived? Your first week at home
- Unbox right away; fittonias can wilt in the box but usually revive quickly.
- If the plant is drooping and the soil is dry, water it right away and give it a few hours to perk up.
- Place it in medium to bright, indirect light, such as a few feet from an east or north window.
- Leave it in its nursery pot for at least two weeks.
- A few crispy or yellow lower leaves after shipping are normal; trim them off.
- Keep it away from heat vents, radiators, and cold drafts, which dry it out fast.
Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.
Light
Medium to bright, indirect light works best, such as near a north or east window or a few feet back from a brighter window. Direct sun scorches the leaves quickly. Too little light makes the stems stretch and the vein colors fade.
Water
Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist, watering when the top half inch begins to dry, often every 3-5 days in warm weather. The plant will dramatically flop when it is too dry, which is a clear signal to water. Yellow, mushy stems mean the soil is staying too wet, so make sure the pot drains.
Humidity
Fittonia loves humidity, ideally 50-70 percent. A humidifier, a pebble tray, or a spot in a bright bathroom keeps leaf edges from going crispy. It also thrives in terrariums.
Temperature
Keep it between 65 and 80 F. It dislikes cold below 60 F and drafts of any kind.
Soil & repotting
Use a rich, moisture-holding but well-draining potting mix, such as regular houseplant soil with a little perlite. Repot every year or two in spring into a pot one size larger. Shallow pots work well since its roots are small.
Feeding
Feed every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not feed in winter.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Sudden collapsethe soil dried out; water thoroughly and it should recover within hours.
- Crispy brown edgesdry air or underwatering; raise humidity and keep soil evenly moist.
- Yellow, mushy stemsoverwatering or poor drainage; let the top of the soil dry slightly and check the pot drains.
- Leggy growthlow light or age; pinch off growing tips and move it brighter.
- Faded veinsnot enough light; move it to a brighter spot out of direct sun.
Tips to help it thrive
- Pinch off the small flower spikes and stem tips to keep it bushy and colorful.
- Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist soil.
- Try it in a glass terrarium or cloche, where the steady humidity keeps it looking its best.
Pet safety
Nerve Plant (Fittonia) is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.
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White Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Regular price From $37.95 USDRegular priceUnit price per
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