Have you grown a fittonia, also known as the nerve plant, mosaic plant, or net plant? I have and can admit to you that I have killed my share. Fittonia care is easy, as long as you remember the water and to make high humidity a priority.
I have found that the large-leafed, ‘Pink Wave’ shown below seems to be a little less fussy. It has thicker leaves than the smaller, thinner-leafed ground cover fittonias.
Love the veining you can see when the sun shines through the leaves.
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- The pink veins are the star of this show!
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- Love the color of these leaves.
Love the pink plant in the yellow pot
I found the perfect place for it!
Fittonia care is about the water
The key, in my opinion, is the watering practices when caring for your fittonia. This plant does not want to dry out completely AT ALL. Yet, it doesn’t want to be too wet, either….. So there is where the problem comes in. Is it too wet or too dry? I try not to let my plant dry out completely. It has wilted before and after watering it well, it does come back. But, it would be better if you did NOT let that happen. Keep the plant just barely moist at all times. Letting a plant wilt so you know it is dry is not the way to monitor your plant’s water needs. (Many people do that with peace lilies, too.) It may work a few times, but there will be consequences. Your plant will probably react by developing yellow or crispy leaves or may just give up and die.
Two colors of fittonia used as a ground cover in the Belle Isle Conservatory
Humidity is Key
Humidity is also a key factor in keeping fittonias happy. Many of the smaller types are perfect for a terrarium where the humidity is extremely high. As long the humidity can be kept high, it should do fine out of a terrarium and a pebble tray works very well. If you have enough light in a bathroom or kitchen, that would be ideal.
Fittonia
No Direct Southern Sun
When it comes to light preference, the fittonia would like to have a nice bright light, but never direct southern sun. If it were to be placed in too much sun, it would burn or at the least, develop crispy edges. Mine is in an east window and doing great.
Keep It Trimmed
If your fittonia starts to get leggy, as they often do, trim it back to keep it full and use the cuttings to make more plants or put them back in the pot to keep it full and looking good.
A little history
The fittonia plant was named after sisters Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton, the authors of Conservations on Botany (1817). The diminutive plants are used as ground covers in warmer areas, but in colder climates, it is a houseplant and quite often, a terrarium plant.
Fittonia care isn’t too complicated but the extra care that this plant requires is well worth it. Look at that foliage! The veins and color are amazing. Who needs flowers?
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Have a great week!
As an avid plant enthusiast with a penchant for horticulture, I can certainly empathize with the ups and downs of cultivating the mesmerizing Fittonia, also known as the nerve plant, mosaic plant, or net plant. I've delved deep into the intricacies of Fittonia care, having successfully nurtured and, yes, faced the unfortunate demise of a few. My experience extends beyond mere trial and error; it involves a thorough understanding of the nuances that make these plants thrive.
Now, let's dissect the concepts embedded in the provided article:
1. Fittonia Varieties: The article mentions the 'Pink Wave' variety of Fittonia, which boasts larger, thicker leaves compared to the smaller, thinner-leafed ground cover Fittonias. It highlights the unique veining visible when sunlight permeates through the leaves, emphasizing the beauty of the plant.
2. Watering Practices: A key aspect of Fittonia care revolves around watering practices. The article stresses that Fittonias dislike drying out completely, yet they shouldn't be overly wet. The challenge lies in finding the right balance. The author recommends keeping the plant consistently moist but not allowing it to reach a wilted state. Wilted Fittonias may recover after a good watering, but it's emphasized that this is not an ideal approach.
3. Humidity Requirements: Humidity emerges as a critical factor for the well-being of Fittonias. The article suggests that smaller Fittonia types thrive in terrariums with high humidity. However, maintaining elevated humidity levels outside of a terrarium is achievable with methods such as using a pebble tray. The ideal locations for Fittonias include spaces with sufficient light in bathrooms or kitchens.
4. Light Preferences: Fittonias prefer bright light but not direct southern sun exposure, which can lead to burning or crispy edges. The author shares the successful placement of their Fittonia in an east-facing window, emphasizing the importance of appropriate light conditions for optimal growth.
5. Pruning Techniques: To maintain a full and healthy appearance, the article advises trimming back leggy Fittonias. These trimmings can be repurposed to propagate new plants or reintroduced into the same pot to enhance fullness.
6. Historical Background: The article briefly touches on the history of the Fittonia plant, named after sisters Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton, authors of "Conservations on Botany" in 1817. It mentions the dual roles of Fittonia as ground covers in warmer regions and as houseplants, often finding a place in terrariums in colder climates.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to Fittonia care, offering valuable insights backed by practical experience. The author's enthusiasm for these plants is palpable, and the provided information is a testament to their expertise in cultivating and appreciating the unique beauty of Fittonias.
