Nerve Plant - Red

Normally cozying up as a trendy indoor buddy, the nerve plant (Fittonia) is a tiny evergreen with striking dark-green leaves sporting delicate veins. These leaves often flaunt silver-white veins but can also rock a sassy mix of red, pink, white, and green. Growing only 3 to 6 inches tall but spreading out like a leafy carpet up to 18 inches, Fittonia is your go-to buddy for slow and steady vibes, occasionally surprising you with dainty reddish or yellowish-white blooms indoors. In the right spot, it can even moonlight as a shady ground cover, adding a touch of green glam to your space!

Plant Care Tips:

  Watering:

Its common name comes from its dramatic habit of drooping visibly when it's thirsty. A lover of rainforest-like humidity, this little plant is great for terrariums and hanging baskets in the bathroom or near a humidifier.     

Keep soil constantly moist or nerve plant will dramatically droop it's leaves. Bit of a drama queen about it as it can look as though it's dead but once you add a bit of water it perks right up.  You want to find a balance quickly though as constant wilting/drooping like that will take it's toll on a plant. 

 Lighting:

These guys can be finnicky and fragile.  It likes indirect but bright light which can be a tricky thing to find for it.  Some people opt to grow these under grow lights as you have alot more control over their light exposure and at least in the beginning a better % of success.

Temperature:

Again these guys can be fragile when it comes to its surrounding temperature.  It does best at basic room temperature but should not be place anywhere it could catch a breeze from a door or window opening regularly. 

  Soil Medium:

Plant Fittonia in a basic potting mix with a peat moss base that you can get at any hardware or nursery. For good measure we add about 20% more Perlite so we know the soil is going to drain fast enough to prevent root rot but also retain some moisture.  It's a balance that you want to find.  

 Common Issues-

• Yellow leaves are a symptom of too much water. Too-frequent watering or poor drainage will cause foliage to turn yellow. Use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil that can lead to root rot.

• Leaf drop is likely caused by cold temperatures or drafts from nearby windows. This tropical native prefers the same warm temperatures that most people do.

• Dry, shriveled leaves are a sign of dry air or direct sun exposure. Room humidity can drop drastically in the winter months. Use a room humidifier, if needed, and keep your plant out of direct sunlight.