Nerve Plant

Fittonia albivenisAlso known as: Fittonia, Mosaic Plant, Painted Net Leaf

The Nerve Plant is a striking foliage plant with deeply veined leaves in patterns of white, pink, or red against dark green. Native to Peruvian rainforests, it's a low-growing ground cover that thrives in humid conditions. It reaches only 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) tall, making it perfect for terrariums.

Moderate Care

Low to Medium Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Low to Medium Light

Temperature Range
60-80°F (16-27°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 3-5 days, keep soil consistently moist
Summer	Every 2-3 days, never let dry out
Fall	Every 4-5 days
Winter	Every 5-7 days, maintain moisture

Dramatic fainter when thirsty - wilts quickly but revives after watering.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Daily
Summer	Multiple times daily
Fall	Daily
Winter	Daily with indoor heating

Humidity is essential - crispy leaves indicate too-dry air.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with diluted liquid fertilizer
Summer	Every 2 weeks
Fall	Monthly
Winter	No fertilizing

Use very dilute fertilizer - sensitive to salts.

Pruning

Frequency: Pinch regularly for bushier growth

Best Season: Growing season

Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Remove flower spikes to promote leaf growth.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 1-2 years

Best Season: Spring

Use well-draining soil. Shallow pots work best - roots are not deep.

Flowering

Season
Summer

Color
Small yellow-white spikes

Insignificant flower spikes - best to remove to encourage leaf growth.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings root easily in water or soil
Division of clumps
Layering - stems root where they touch soil

Common Problems

Dramatic wilting: Underwatering - revives quickly after water
Brown, crispy leaves: Low humidity
Leggy growth: Insufficient light - needs bright indirect
Faded colors: Too much or too little light

Pro Tips

Perfect for terrariums - loves enclosed humidity
Will dramatically wilt when thirsty but recovers fast
Pet-safe for cats and dogs
Pinch frequently for compact, bushy growth

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