Fittonia care guide: Grow the nerve plant indoors

Indoor plants are a favorite choice for plant lovers due to their trailing foliage pattern. However, sometimes, these plants produce only a limited shade of foliage and require extra care, such as regular pruning and specific potting soil, which can be difficult for gardeners to maintain. On the other hand, fittonia is one of the popular houseplants with patterned foliage that can grow for years, making it an excellent choice for decorating indoor spaces. 

This evergreen perennial is known for its unique oval-shaped or egg-shaped leaf patterns in green, pink, red, and white shades. Most varieties have dark green leaves with white or pink veins, but some produce lime green or pink leaves, making the plant attractive. Under the right conditions, the plant can produce small flowers in red or yellow-white spikes. 

Fittonia can be used as a ground cover in warm, frost-free areas with filtered sunlight, adding beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces. Growcycle offers gardeners multiple tools and essentials to ensure healthier plant growth. 

Origin and History

Fittonia was discovered in the 19th century by European botanist and plant collector Wilhelm Fitton. The genus was named after Elizabeth and Sarah Fitton, who wrote a botany book in 1867. Later, it was introduced to Europe and quickly became popular as an ornamental indoor plant.

This plant is native to tropical rainforests in South America, including Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Brazil. It grows naturally in shaded and humid climates of forests, making it excellent for various environments. 

Botany of Fittonia 

The fittonia plant has beautiful, vibrant foliage and is popularly known by names such as the nerve plant, mosaic plant, fittonia, and painted net leaf. 

• Family: This plant, scientifically known as Fittonia albivenis, belongs to the genus family of Acanthaceae. 
• Size: Under the right conditions, this plant usually grows to be 3 to 6 inches tall and can spread as wide as 12 to 18 inches.
• Stems: Mostly, the stems of fittonia are covered with short, hair-like fuzz, giving them a soft, textured appearance.
• Foliage: It produces soft, oval, velvety leaves with colorful veins in shades of white, pink, red, or purple. The leaves are typically 5 to 10 cm long and green, pink, or white.
• Flowers: It has small, creamy white flowers that grow on thin green stalks. However, these flowers do not bloom indoors. 
• Growth Shape: It is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that spreads outward rather than growing tall. Its compact growth is perfect for indoor spaces.
• Growth Rate: With a moderate growth rate, this plant typically takes 6 to 12 months to reach its full size and 3 to 5 years to reach its maximum height. However, it can grow 2 to 4 inches per month in ideal conditions. 

Benefits of Fittonia Plant 

Fittonia plants are popular for their unique appearance and easy care, making them a great addition to indoor spaces. Here are a few of its benefits:

• Cleans the Air: This nerve plant helps clean indoor air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals and reducing carbon dioxide.  It acts as a natural air purifier, improving the indoor environment. 
• Low Maintenance: It does not require extra effort or care to thrive; only a little care can make it grow for years. Hence, it is easy for gardeners with busy schedules. 
• Improves Humidity: Usually, the plant reduces the nitrogen and benzene levels in the air and improves the humidity in the surroundings. 
• Healthy Remedy: The stems of this plant can be used in tea to help treat headaches, muscle pain, and toothaches, ensuring the well-being of humans. 
• Non-Toxic: Fittonia is a non-toxic plant That is safe for both humans and pets, making it an excellent choice for pet-friendly homes. 
• Decorative Appeal: Its velvety, vibrant foliage adds a decorative touch to any indoor space, and its glossy appearance boosts the aesthetic of a home or office. 

Varieties of Fittonia Plant

Fittonia plants come in various varieties, each with unique leaf colors and vein patterns, making them popular choices for indoor gardeners.

Fittonia Plant Care Guide

Here is a comprehensive care guide to keeping the fittonia plants healthy and thriving:

1. Light

The plant grows well in bright, indirect light. It is best to place this plant near a north facing window, under fluorescent lights, or in areas with diffused light. Too little light can also reduce its growth, so it should be avoided.

Gardeners are advised to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. They can also use sheer curtains to filter the direct impact of sunlight. 

2. Water

Maintaining a proper moisture level is important to ensure healthier growth. Watering the plants once a week is best when the top inches of soil dry out. 

Do not overwater the plant or let the soil remain soggy, as this can cause root rot or wilted leaves. Although it can be tricky to guess, gardeners can use a moisture meter to determine when to water. 

3. Soil 

The nerve plant needs well-draining soil that can also retain moisture. Avoid using soil that dries out too quickly. Hence, using slightly acidic soil with a peat moss base is best. Gardeners can also add perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. 

Gardeners must ensure the pot has drainage holes to drain excess water, as excessive moisture can damage the plant's leaf growth. 

4. Temperature and Humidity 

This plant is native to warm, humid climates and can tolerate temperatures from 60°F to 85°F. Therefore, keeping the plant away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes is important.

To grow indoors, the plant needs 50% humidity. In dry climates or winter months, gardeners can maintain humidity by misting or using a humidifier. They can also consider building a small terrarium to add even more moisture to the soil.

5. Fertilizers 

To ensure healthy growth, it is best to fertilize the new Fittonia plants once a week. Although regular houseplant fertilizers can work well, gardeners can also consider using liquid fertilizers formulated for tropical plants, such as a balanced 5-5-5 fertilizer diluted to half strength. 

It is best to feed this nerve plant once a month during the growing season, such as spring or summer. 

6. Pest and Disease Control

Fittonia plants can suffer various diseases due to poor care, pests, or unfavorable conditions. To prevent and manage these issues, it is important to regularly check for signs like yellowing leaves, wilting, or abnormal growth. It is also best to always purchase healthy plants and sanitize tools to reduce the risk of infection. 

To control the spread of diseases, gardeners must maintain good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and clean leaves regularly to remove potential spores. However, viral diseases like mosaic virus cannot be cured; gardeners must remove infected plants to prevent further spread.

Pruning Fittonia Plant

Prune a fittonia plant during its growing season in spring or early summer for optimal growth and recovery. However, it is best to avoid pruning in winter, as it damages the plant. Summer is also not best for this plant, as excessive heat can damage healing. 

• Inspect the Plant: Carefully check the plant from top to bottom, looking for any branches or sections that need trimming.
• Find Smaller Branches: Find the smaller branches growing from the main stem. These need to be pruned for better growth.
• Use Tools: Use sharp, clean scissors to trim the smaller branches or buds.
• Make the Cut: Cut the branch, leaving a small portion attached to the main stem for healthier new growth. 
• Remove Spikes: Trim any overgrown flower spikes to give a clean look. 
• After pruning:  Clean the scissors or shears with alcohol to avoid spreading bacterial disease to other plants. 

How to Propagate a Fittonia Plant

The best time to propagate fittonia is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid doing this during winter when the plant is dormant because it won’t grow either. The easiest and most common method is stem cuttings. Here is a step-by-step guide to propagate the fittonia plant:

1. Choose a Healthy Stem

Look for a healthy stem on the plant. It should be free of pests or diseases and have at least 2–3 leaves and a few nodes (the spots where leaves grow along the stem). Avoid stems that look weak or damaged.

2. Cut the Stem

Using sharp scissors, carefully cut a stem that is about 4–6 inches long. Cut just below a node. This is important because new roots will grow from the node.

3. Prepare the Cutting

Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the cutting. Leave only 2–3 leaves at the top. This keeps the cutting healthy and prevents the lower leaves from rotting if they touch water or soil.

4. Root the Cutting

There are two ways to root the cutting:

i) Water propagation

• Place the cutting into a glass of water, making sure the lower node is underwater.
• Put the glass in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Direct sun can harm the plant.
• Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh.
• After 1–3 weeks, roots will start to grow. The cutting can be planted in soil once the roots are at least 1 inch long.

ii) Soil Propagation

• Dip the cut end of the stem into the rooting hormone. This step is optional but helps roots grow faster.
• Fill a small pot with moist, well-draining soil. Plant the stem cutting to bury the lower node in the soil.
• Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it in a terrarium. This creates a mini greenhouse and keeps humidity high, which is important for Fittonia.
• Place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist.
• In 2–4 weeks, roots will grow, and the cutting will begin to produce new leaves.

5. Care for the New Plant

Once the cutting has roots and new growth, it can be treated like a regular Fittonia plant. If the plastic bag is used, remove it. Keep the plant in a warm, humid environment, and water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Extra Tips for Success

• Always use clean scissors to prevent the spreading of disease.
• High humidity is very important for Fittonia cuttings to root successfully. If the air is dry, mist the plant regularly or use a humidifier.
• When propagating in water, the cutting should not be submerged too deeply; only the node should be in the water.
• Avoid overwatering soil-propagated cuttings. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

Fittonia Problems and Solutions

Fittonia plants may have multiple growth issues, which are usually solved by adjusting care conditions. Here are a few of those problems. 

1. Overwatering

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, leaf drops, soggy soil, wilting leaves, mushy stems, and a strong smell from the soil

Solution

• Adjust the water frequency, and do not water the plant unless the top inches of soil dries out. 
• Check the soil's moisture level by sticking fingers or using a moisture meter. 
• Make sure to use a well-drainage pot along with a well-draining potting mix. 
• If the issue continues, consider repotting the plant for healthier growth. 

2. Low Humidity

Symptoms: Wilting or drooping leaves, brown edges. 

Solution: 

• Check the indoor humidity level with a humidity meter. 
• Then, adjust the humidity level above 50% using a humidifier or pebble tray filled with water. 
• Mist the plant regularly to provide proper humidity control. 

3. Improper Light 

Symptoms: Leggy growth, burned leaves, stunted growth. 

Solution: 

• Move the plant to a bright, indirect sunlight location. 
• In direct sunlight, use sheer curtains to avoid damaging the leaves. 
• Use fluorescent tubes or grow lights for proper growth in case of low light. 

4. Underwatering 

Symptoms: Dry edges, drooping leaves.

Solution: 

• Increase the water frequency and water until it drops out of the pot. 
• Increase the humidity level in the room.
• Water the plant regularly, once or twice a week, until it settles. 

FAQs

Can Fittonias grow in water alone?

Yes, fittonia plants can grow in water hydroponically. However, they should be kept in terrariums, steamy bathrooms, or gravel trays filled with water to maintain moisture. 

Does Fittonia prefer root-bounded growth? 

Fittonia plants don’t do well when they are root-bounded. While they can handle it for some time, their growth slows, and they may show signs of stress if not repotted into a larger container in time.

Is it normal for Fittonia leaves to curl?

No, most Fittonia leaves start to curl when they are exposed to low humidity, improper watering, temperature fluctuations, and cold drafts. Hence, misting the leaves regularly and maintaining a regular temperature level is better. 

The Bottom Line

Fittonia is a beautiful, easy-to-grow, decorative plant that produces vibrant foliage in a patterned leaf structure. Mostly, the leaves come in various shades, from white to red, making it an excellent choice for adding beauty indoors. 

It can last for years when grown in the proper light and potting soil. Growcycle offers gardeners multiple tips and tools for growing healthy indoor plants and shrubs.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.