Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia albivenis

Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Medium lightFussyPet-safe
6580°FComfort range
HighHumidity
Background

The nerve plant is grown for its dramatic veining — fine networks of white, pink, or red lacing across deep green leaves. It's also famous for fainting: let it dry out even slightly and the whole plant collapses dramatically, then revives within an hour of watering, which makes it oddly communicative for a fussy plant.

That theatrical wilting is your watering cue, but it's better not to let it get there too often. Fittonia wants consistent moisture and high humidity, which makes it a natural for a terrarium, a bathroom, or a spot near other plants. Keep it out of direct sun and never let it dry out hard.

Medium to bright indirect; direct sun scorches the thin leaves and fades the veining.

Care at a glance
LightMedium light
WaterEvery 3–5 days; keep evenly moist, never dry
Soil mixMoisture-retentive but airy mix — coir or peat with perlite
HumidityHigh
Temperature65–80°F
DifficultyFussy
HabitClumping
Mature size3–6 in tall, spreading
PropagationStem cuttings in water or soil
Watering & safety
How to water

Water as soon as the surface dries; it faints when thirsty

Drought tolerance

Low — keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.

Pet & child safety

Non-toxic and pet-safe.

The routine

Keep evenly moist; water as soon as the surface dries

every 3–5 days

Sudden collapse means it dried out — water and it revives

Feed with a dilute balanced fertiliser

monthlyGrowing season

Pinch flower buds and leggy tips to keep it dense

Raise humidity if leaf edges turn crispy

Watch for
Fungus GnatsAphidsMealybugs