Fittonia Care Sun Fitting - (Nerve Plant) Care
When grown indoors, pot a nerve plant in a peaty commercial potting mix. The plant needs to be kept constantly moist with a high level of ambient humidity provided by frequent misting or by growing it in a tray filled with pebbles and water. Ideally, most growers find it's easiest to grow these lovely but temperamental plants in terrariums or covered gardens where they can get the high humidity and diffuse light they love so much.
Light
As a tropical plant that naturally grows in the humid, bright shade of tropical forests, this plant prefers similar conditions when grown as a houseplant. It dislikes full sunlight, preferring bright, indirect sun. It will also thrive under fluorescent lights.
Soil
Fittonia grows well in standard potting soil with a peat-moss base. The soil should retain some moisture but should also drain well. Water Keeping the plant appropriately moist can be a challenge. Nerve plant is prone to collapse if it's allowed to dry out. Although it will recover quickly if thoroughly watered, repeated fainting spells will eventually take their toll on the plant. At the other extreme, Fittonia plants that are allowed to stagnate in water will develop yellowed, limp leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Nerve plant thrives at temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit but will tolerate a range from the low 60s to low 80s. These plants prefer humid conditions similar to those found in rainforest's. Regular misting will keep the plants from drying out. In arid climates or during the dry months of winter, using a room humidifier may be helpful. Terrariums or bottle gardens are naturally moist environments well suited to the plant.
Fertilizer
During its growing season, feed plants weekly with a weak dose of liquid fertilizer (Seasol Power Feed) Potting and Repotting. Any conventional potting soil mix and standard houseplant pot with bottom drainage holes will work for Fittonia. Repot Fittonia annually in spring or early summer. Always use fresh potting soil when you repot to prevent soil compaction and water-logging.
Propagation
Nerve plants propagate readily from leaf-tip cuttings. Take the leaf-tip cuttings in late spring or early summer, at the same time you repot the plant. Make sure to include at least two growing nodes on the cutting to obtain the best results. Once you've potted up the cutting in a peat-based soil mix, you can expect roots to sprout within two to three weeks.
Pruning
Nerve plant grows quickly in the right conditions, and if the stems grow leggy, pinching off the tips will keep the growth full and bushy. Because the flowers are insignificant and boring, pinching off the buds will also help keep the foliage full.