How to grow Fittonia

Fittonia albivenis · nerve plant, mosaic plant

A low, creeping tropical perennial from South American rainforests, up to about 20 cm tall, grown for its leaves netted with white, pink or red veins. It needs humid air and suits terrariums.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Acanthaceae
Light	Partial shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 15 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Sow straight into the bed after your last spring frost, once the soil has warmed.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 4 days	—	balanced (NPK), 14 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 74 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 134 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 8 days	—	—

Growing notes

Light

A bright spot out of direct sunlight, which scorches the leaves; near a north- or east-facing window is ideal. Yellowing leaves usually mean too little light.

Soil

Moisture-retentive peat-free houseplant or multi-purpose compost in a pot with drainage; the roots are shallow, so a small pot is enough. It dislikes waterlogged compost.

Care

Keep the compost moist by watering often, about twice a week, but never leave it waterlogged; in winter keep it barely moist. A dry plant wilts dramatically but usually recovers soon after a thorough watering. It needs humid air – a terrarium, a bathroom or a tray of damp gravel – and warmth above 15 °C, best above 17 °C, away from cold draughts and radiators. Feed lightly every two or three months in spring and summer with a half-strength general-purpose or houseplant fertiliser, pinch the stems to keep it bushy and repot every few years. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Pests and diseases of Fittonia

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.