Product Description:
Normally grown as a potted houseplant, nerve plant (Fittonia spp.) is a spreading evergreen perennial with delicately veined, deep-green leaves. Although the most popular vein color is silvery-white, you can also readily find varieties with veins in red, pink, white, and green. Nerve plant is a low-growing creeper that is a perfect fit for terrariums or bottle gardens. Fittonia typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 inches with a trailing spread of 12 to 18 inches. As beautiful as it is, Fittonia is somewhat temperamental and tricky to grow as a houseplant. It requires very high, constant humidity, such as found in a terrarium and cannot tolerate stagnant conditions. Originally from Peru. In the wild, they can spread as beautiful ground cover, but indoors, they also make a Striking houseplant “Nerve plants are definitely one of the most unique and beautiful plants out there
Water:
Keeping the plant appropriately moist can be a challenge. Nerve plant is prone to collapse if it’s allowed to dry out. Although it will recover quickly if thoroughly watered, repeated fainting spells will eventually take their toll on the plant.
Light:
Fittonia prefer bright, indirect light—think: north- or east-facing windows—or light through a filtered curtain (perhaps a few feet away from a sunny window). Never place this plant in direct sun.
Soil:
Fittonia grows well in standard potting soil with a peat moss base. The soil should retain some moisture but should also drain well.
Fertilizer
During its growing season, feed plants weekly with a weak dose of liquid fertilizer formulated for tropical plants. A balanced 5-5-5 fertilizer diluted to half strength is a good formulation.
Temperature and Humidity
Nerve plant thrives at temperatures around 70 F but will tolerate a range from the low 60s F to low 80s F. These plants prefer humid conditions similar to those found in rainforests. Regular misting will keep the plants from drying out. In arid climates or during the dry months of winter, using a room humidifier may be helpful. Terrariums or bottle gardens are naturally moist environments well suited to the plant.
Potting and Repotting Nerve Plant:
Any conventional potting soil mix and standard houseplant pot with bottom drainage holes will work for Fittonia. Repot annually in spring or early summer, always using fresh potting soil to prevent soil compaction and waterlogging.
Pruning:
Nerve plant grows quickly in the right conditions, and if the stems grow leggy, pinching off the tips will keep the growth full and bushy.
Propagating Nerve Plant:
Nerve plants propagate readily from leaf-tip cuttings, taken in late spring or early summer, at the same time you repot the plant.
1-Using clean, sharp garden shears, make leaf cuttings at an angle. Make sure to include at least two growing nodes on the cutting to obtain the best results.
2- Once you’ve potted up the cutting in a peat-based soil mix, you can expect roots to sprout within two to three weeks.
3- Use of a rooting hormone is not usually necessary, but if your conditions are less than ideal (too dry or too cool), rooting hormone might increase your chances of success.
