fittonia
Fittonia albivenis
How do you care for fittonia?
Light: Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer. Soil: Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
About Fittonia
Fittonia (Fittonia albivenis) care guide from the PlantGrail knowledge base. Covers disease treatment, symptom diagnosis and watering. Compare the symptoms and growing conditions before choosing a care step.
Fittonia care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect. Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
- Watering
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.
- Humidity
- Loves higher humidity (60%+). If your air is dry, group it with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby.
- Temperature
- Prefers moderate temperatures (60-80°F). Keep away from radiators and intense afternoon sun windows.
- Soil
- Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Common Fittonia problems, answered
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Fittonia Mold: Grey Mould on Leaves or Fungus on the Soil?
Mold on a fittonia is usually one of two things: grey mould (Botrytis) on dying leaves and stems in humid, still air, or harmless saprophytic fungus on a mix surface that stays wet. Collapsing stems with dark roots point to root rot instead.
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Fittonia Overwatered or Thirsty? How to Tell and What to Do
A fittonia that collapses in dry, light mix is thirsty and usually stands back up within a short time of watering. One that wilts or yellows while the mix is still wet, with soft stems or a sour smell, is overwatered and may have root rot. The mix, not the leaves, tells you which.
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Fittonia Brown Tips and Crispy Leaves: What Dried Them Out
Brown, crispy tips and flat, papery leaves on a fittonia (nerve plant) usually mean the leaves dried out: from dry room air, from the mix drying out until the plant collapsed, or from direct sun or a nearby heater. Salt build-up from feeding can add to it.
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Fittonia Curling Leaves: Dry Pot, Dry Air or Draughts?
Nerve plant leaves curl and shrivel mostly from drying out: a dry pot, dry room air, a draught or direct sun. Curling on a plant in wet mix points to root rot instead, and curled, speckled leaves can mean spider mites or mealybugs.
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