Nerve Plant Care

Nerve plant has beautiful, deep-green leaves with vein patterns of white, pink, or red, making it a standout among house plants. Find out how to water, when to fertilize and how much sunlight this eye-catching houseplant wants.

Contrasting veins on Fittonia verschaffeltii add color and texture, creating living art.

Get to Know Nerve Plant

In its native South America, this Peruvian tropical plant grows as a ground cover and can spread out about 12 inches (30 cm). Its low-spreading habit makes it ideal for dish gardens and terrariums, where it thrives with the help of high humidity.

Fittonia verschaffeltii grows best with even temperatures around 70°F/21°C. It doesn't like dry air, drafts, or direct sun, any of which may cause its leaves to shrivel or fall off.

How big does it get? You can expect your houseplant to reach a height of up to 6 in (15 cm). Miniature forms exist, such as 'Minima', 'Red Star' and 'Pink Star' with smaller leaves.

Is nerve plant poisonous? No. According to the ASPCA, this beautiful houseplant is pet-friendly -- safe around cats and dogs. 

This popular houseplant is easy to find in garden centers. You may find Fittonia verschaffeltii for sale by other common names, such as Silver Net Leaf or Mosaic Plant. 

Caring for Fittonia Year-Round

Pinch your plant. Pinch off stem tips regularly to keep plant bushy and full. Also pinch off any small flower spikes that may appear, because they are insignificant and will weaken the show of leaves.

Mist it. This tropical beauty loves to be misted. Give it a fine spray of tepid water every morning to provide the moist air it craves. Or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to raise the humidity around it.

Repot in spring every couple years to refresh the soil. Nerve plant has shallow roots, so you can keep it in a small pot.

Fittonias are stunning in dish gardens and terrariums. Photo ©Alina Kuptsova

Nerve Plant Problems and Solutions

• 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 you 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.
• Pests and diseases sometimes arrive with a new plant. It's a good idea to look over your houseplants regularly for insects, sticky honeydew or sooty mold. Aphids are the most common pest for a young plant, because they feed on new growth. Cut off badly infested stems and leaves and wash off aphids with lukewarm water. Don't use pesticides, oils, or soap sprays on nerve plant because its leaves are easily damaged.

Photo: Eric Ferguson/istockphoto

Nerve Plant Care Tips

Light: Low to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which may cause shriveled leaves. Nerve plant grows well under a grow light.

Water: Keep soil constantly moist. Nerve plant will collapse if it dries out. Yellow leaves on this plant indicate too much water or poor drainage. Fittonia needs moisture at all times, but it won't tolerate soggy soil. Cut off yellow leaves and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Humidity: High humidity (around 60-70% relative humidity). Nerve plant grows well in the humid environment of a wardian case or a terrarium. Take a look at these easy ways to raise the humidity for your tropical plants. Dry air will cause shriveled leaves.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 65-75°F/18-24°C. Fittonia will tolerate a minimum of 60°F/16°C. It's a good idea to keep your tropical plants out of cold blasts from doorways and away from heat/AC vents, which can cause leaf drop. 

Soil: Peat-based mix with added perlite, such as African violet potting mix is ideal.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 months spring through fall with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.

Propagation: Take 2 in (5 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring and insert them in moist potting mix. They propagate easily in a warm, humid environment, rooting in about 2-3 weeks.

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