Nerve plants(Fittonia albivenis) is commonly used as a potted houseplant for decor and livelihood.
It is an evergreen perennial with deep green, egg-shaped leaves.
They are slow to grow and rarely flower indoors.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
It requires very high, constant humidity and cannot tolerate stagnant conditions.
Nerve plant is also sensitive to strong, direct sunlight and can suffer fromleaf burn.
When grown indoors, pot a nerve plant in a peaty commercial potting mix.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
It dislikes full sunlight, preferring bright, indirect sun, such as that offered by north-facing windows.
Keep a nerve plant under fluorescent lights or near diffused light coming in from a sheer curtain.
Another good location is in thebathroom, even if there’s low lighting.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
Soil
Nerve plant grows well in standard potting soil with apeat moss base.
It prefers aslightly acidic soil pH.
The soil should retain some moisture but should also drain well.
Water
Keeping a nerve plant appropriately moist can be a challenge.
At the other extreme, nerveplants that are allowed to stagnate in water will develop yellowed, limp leaves.
If you are unsure, use amoisture meterto help you determine when to water.
Terrarium Plants
Nerve plants thrive in terrariums.
Other common terrarium plants to grow withFittoniainclude ferns,polka dot plants,creeping fig, and spike moss.
A balanced 5-5-5 fertilizer diluted to half strength is a good formulation.
Types of Nerve Plant
Cultivars ofF.
Because the flowers are insignificant and boring, pinching off the buds will also help keep the foliage full.
Repot annually in spring or early summer, always using fresh potting soil to prevent soil compaction and water-logging.
Common Pests
Insect problems include mealybugs and aphids.
Infestations should be treated immediately.
Sticky traps are a great way toget rid of fungus gnats.
A nerve plant may appear to be dying but tweaking its environment often saves it.
Leaf Drop
Leaf drop is usually the result of cold temperatures or drafts.
venture to mimic the tropical conditions where this species naturally grows.
Use a room humidifier in winter when humidity levels drop significantly.
Keep your nerve plant out of direct sunlight.
Droopy Leaves
Droopy leaves are usually a sign of a watering issue.
Check the soil moisture level to determine whether your plant has been over or under watered.
Dry soil and crispy, droopy leaves usually indicates underwatering.
If all else fails, try giving your plant a more humid atmosphere.
Keep temperatures over 70F, away from drafts, and in a humid spot.
Soil should always be moist but not water-logged.
Yes, unless you live in USDA zone 11 or higher, nerve plants must be grown indoors.
Nerve plants are slow-growing indoors.
It still has benefits as an attractive, pet-friendly, and low-maintenance houseplant.
Fittonia albivenis (Argyroneura Group).
Fittonia albivenis (Verschaffeltii Group).Missouri Botanical Garden.
