PlantWhy

Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Fittonia albivenis · Houseplant

Quick answer: Water: Every 2–4 days, when the surface feels dry (estimated). Light: Bright indirect or medium light; no direct sun. Soil: Peat- or coir-based mix with perlite, pH 5.5–6.5 (estimated). Pets: Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing large amounts may still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A low, spreading plant with leaves traced in white, pink or red veins. It loves humidity and steady moisture, and it collapses dramatically when dry, then perks up within hours of a drink. Ideal for terrariums and bright bathrooms.

Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Photo: NathanBeach, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
💧WaterEvery 2–4 days, when the surface feels dry (estimated)
☀️LightBright indirect light
🐾PetsNon-toxic

Care at a glance

Light
Bright indirect or medium light; no direct sun
Water
Keep evenly moist; never let it dry out fully
Soil
Peat- or coir-based mix with perlite, pH 5.5–6.5 (estimated)
Temperature
65–80 °F; protect from drafts below 55 °F (estimated)
Pot size
4–6 in pot (estimated); grows 3–8 in tall, spreads up to 18 in
Container/Pot
Shallow pot with drainage, or a closed terrarium
Growth
Slow; spreads by creeping stems
Lifespan
Perennial; often refreshed from cuttings every 2–3 years (estimated)

When?

Buy or repot in spring and early summer, when growth picks up. Take tip cuttings from spring through late summer; they root in water or moist mix in 2–3 weeks (estimated).

Step by step

  1. Choose a small pot with drainage; oversized pots stay wet and rot the roots.
  2. Plant in a light, moisture-holding mix with a handful of perlite.
  3. Place in bright, filtered light; direct sun scorches the thin leaves.
  4. Water when the surface just starts to feel dry, using room-temperature water.
  5. Raise humidity with a pebble tray, a grouping of plants or a terrarium.
  6. Feed monthly from spring to early autumn with a liquid fertilizer, following the product label.
  7. Pinch growing tips to keep it bushy and remove the small flower spikes.
  8. Root tip cuttings to replace leggy old plants.

Common problems

Whole plant suddenly wiltsThirst; water thoroughly and it usually recovers within hours.
Crispy brown leaf edgesAir too dry; increase humidity and keep away from heaters.
Yellow, mushy stemsOverwatering or poor drainage; let the top dry slightly and check the pot holes.
Long bare stemsToo little light; move closer to a window and pinch back.

Pets

Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing large amounts may still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Soil and mulch calculator

Similar plants

CalatheaPrayer PlantPeperomia

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.