Fittonia Nerve Mosaic Plant

Fittonia (Nerve Plant) Care Guide and Troubleshooting

Care Guide:

Light:
Fittonia, commonly known as the Nerve Plant, thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces that don’t receive direct sunlight. However, too much direct sun can scorch its delicate leaves, causing them to fade or curl.

Watering:
Fittonia requires consistently moist soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. It’s important to maintain a balance, as the Nerve Plant is sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. During the winter months, reduce watering slightly but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Humidity:
This plant loves high humidity and will thrive in environments where the air is moist. If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider placing it near a humidifier. Another option is to place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity around the plant.

Temperature:
Fittonia prefers a warm environment with temperatures between 18°C to 24°C. It does not tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature changes, so keep it away from open windows, doors, and air conditioning vents.

Soil:
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A peat-based mix with added perlite or sand works well, ensuring that the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Fertilising:
Feed your Fittonia every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can cause nutrient build-up in the soil, leading to leaf burn or stunted growth.

Pruning:
Regularly pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and to maintain its compact shape. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy.

Repotting:
Repot Fittonia every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one, as this plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Refresh the soil during repotting to provide the plant with new nutrients.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues:

Wilting Leaves:

• Cause: Fittonia is known to wilt quickly when it is underwatered or when humidity levels drop too low.
• Solution: Water the plant immediately and increase humidity by misting or using a humidifier. The plant should perk up within a few hours once it receives enough moisture.

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.
• Solution: Check the soil moisture and ensure the pot has proper drainage. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering. If nutrient deficiency is suspected, apply a balanced fertiliser as directed.

Leaf Curling:

• Cause: Leaf curling is often due to too much direct sunlight or low humidity.
• Solution: Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light and increase humidity levels around the plant.

Brown Leaf Edges:

• Cause: Brown edges on leaves typically indicate low humidity or over-fertilisation.
• Solution: Increase the humidity around the plant by using a humidifier. If you suspect over-fertilisation, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts and reduce the frequency of feeding.

Pests:

• Common Pests: Fittonia can be prone to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
• Solution: Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate the plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.

Leggy Growth:

• Cause: Leggy growth occurs when the plant doesn’t receive enough light.
• Solution: Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light. You can also pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.