Introduction
Are you thinking about adding a Fittonia, or Nerve Plant, to your collection of houseplants? These cute little guys are known for the brightly colored veins on its leaves, which come in shades of pink, white, and red. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family are native to the rainforests of South America.
In this article, you will find a basic care guide for various parameters such as light, water, and temperature, how to propagate it, and some other interesting information and questions about Fittonia.
Care
Not only are they pretty to look at, but they are also great at purifying the air and can even help reduce stress. If you're new to caring for houseplants, the Fittonia is a great choice as they are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
It prefers bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil, making it an excellent choice for a variety of indoor environments. In addition to its beauty and air-purifying qualities, the Fittonia is also known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it the perfect addition to any home or office. The Fittonia is a versatile plant that can be grown in a pot or hung from a basket, making it a perfect addition to any room in your home. Its small size and minimal care requirements make it an excellent choice for busy individuals or those with limited space.
1. Light -
Fittonia Plant prefers bright, indirect light. This means it's best to place your plant near a window that gets plenty of natural light, but not directly in the sun. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade in colour. If you don't have a spot with bright, indirect light, don't worry. Fittonia is fairly adaptable and can also thrive in low light conditions. Just be prepared for it to grow a bit slower.
2. Water -
Now, let's talk about water. Fittonia Plant likes evenly moist soil, but be careful not to let the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil to check if it's time to water. If the soil feels dry, it's time to give your plant a drink. If it feels moist, hold off on watering for a bit longer. On average, water your Fittonia about once per week. Depending on the size of the pot and the season it may need more such as in Summer.
3. Temperature and Humidity-
Fittonia prefers a warm, humid environment. It is native to the rainforests of South America and is accustomed to high levels of humidity. In order to mimic this environment in your home, it is important to provide your Fittonia with a humid environment. One way to do this is to place the plant on a humidity tray, which is a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant. You can also mist the leaves of your Fittonia regularly to provide it with additional humidity or a plant humidifier.
In terms of temperature, the Fittonia prefers warm temperatures. It is best to keep the plant in a room that has a temperature between 18 and 22 degrees. Avoid placing the plant in a drafty area or in direct sunlight, as these can cause the leaves to fade in color. The Fittonia is also sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so it is best to keep it in a consistent environment.
4. Soil and Fertiliser -
Fittonia prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A good potting mix for the Fittonia should be made up of a combination of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. This will help provide the plant with the drainage and aeration it needs to thrive. You can also add a small amount of slow-release fertiliser to the soil to provide the plant with additional nutrients.
In terms of fertiliser, Fittonia does not require a lot of fertiliser. In fact, it is best to use a light hand when it comes to fertilising this plant. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser at half the recommended strength once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilising during the winter months, as the plant is dormant during this time.
5. Maintenance and Repotting -
Now let's talk maintenance. The Fittonia doesn't require much in terms of maintenance, but it's always a good idea to give your plant a good clean every now and then. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the leaves clean to remove any dust or dirt. This will help your plant photosynthesize more efficiently and keep it looking healthy. Because the plant is small and versatile it doesn't need to be repotted often.
Propagation
If you're feeling ambitious, you can also try propagating your Fittonia. To do this, you'll need to take a cutting from the plant. Choose a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf node (the point where the leaf meets the stem). Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a small pot filled with soil. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light, and before you know it, you'll have a whole new Fittonia plant.
6. Stem cuttings -
Take cuttings from the leaves of an established plant about 3-5cm and remember which are the top and bottom ends. Place the bottom ends in either soil, a jar of water, or in propagation stations and leave in a warm area to grow roots. Once they have roots they can be transferred to bigger planter pots.
Summary
In conclusion, the Fittonia, or Nerve Plant, is a great choice for anyone looking to add a low-maintenance, air-purifying houseplant to their collection. Just be sure to provide it with evenly moist soil, bright, indirect light, and a little bit of TLC, and your plant will thrive. Happy planting!
