Fittonia (Nerve plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Fittonia
- Common names: Nerve Plant / Mosaic Plant

Background & Origin
Fittonia, commonly known as the Nerve Plant, is named after English sisters Elizabeth and Mary Fitton but is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It is cherished for its striking, patterned leaves, which come in a variety of vibrant colors including pink, red, and white. Its compact size and colorful foliage make it a favorite among terrarium enthusiasts and tropical plant lovers, adding bold, textured greenery to indoor collections.

Care Level
- Care level: Moderate
- Suitable for beginners: If you follow care instructions

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight
- A consistent watering routine
- Some humidity
- Terrarium

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Cold draughts
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Living rooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Terrarium

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up to 15 cm tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 30 cm wide
- Growth rate: Fast during spring and summer
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Want colourful patterned plant
- Have a bright but indirect sunlight spot
- Great plant for a terrarium

Light
- Best light: Semi shady spot to bright indirect light
- Avoid: Strong, direct sunlight

Watering
- Frequency: Water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, using room temperature water.
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.

Humidity
- Prefers: Medium to high humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: Yes, misting or placing near other plants can support healthy leaf growth. Avoid placing near a heat source or cold draughts. This plant does well in a terrarium!

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice a month during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children

Repotting
- How often: Every 2 -3 years
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.