Fittonia Care: Keeping the Colourful Nerve Plant Happy and Healthy
Fittonia, also known as the nerve plant, is a vibrant and compact houseplant adored for its intricately veined leaves and lush, low-growing form. Originating from the humid understorey of South American rainforests, this plant brings a burst of colour to small spaces and thrives when its simple care needs are met. With its striking foliage and easy-going temperament, Fittonia is a rewarding addition to any indoor garden.
What makes Fittonia unique
The standout feature of Fittonia is its stunning foliage, with deep green leaves traced by vivid veins in white, pink or red. Its creeping stems root as they spread, creating dense mats of colourful leaves that look especially eye-catching in shallow planters or terrariums. Because Fittonia prefers steady conditions, it will stay compact and vibrant when given consistent care rather than frequent changes to its environment.
Light and placement
Fittonia thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can burn its delicate leaves and cause colours to fade, while too little light leads to stretched growth and dull foliage. An east-facing windowsill with filtered morning light works perfectly, or you can place it a little back from a bright window. Bathrooms and kitchens with soft natural light are also excellent spots because they tend to stay more humid, which Fittonia loves. If your space is dim, position it near a lamp to supplement natural light gently.
Watering and humidity
Consistent moisture is crucial for Fittonia. Allow only the top centimetre of soil to dry slightly before watering again, and never let the pot sit in excess water. These plants can wilt quickly if they dry out but also suffer from root rot if kept too wet. High humidity helps prevent leaf edges from browning, so try misting regularly, grouping plants together or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Fittonias are also well suited to closed terrariums where humidity remains high, as long as they get occasional ventilation to prevent mould.
Soil, repotting and feeding
Use a light, free-draining potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming soggy. A blend with peat and perlite works well. Choose pots with drainage holes and repot every year or so to refresh the soil and give roots room to spread. During spring and summer, feed every 4–6 weeks with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding, which can cause weak stems and reduce the intensity of the colourful veins.
Temperature and air movement
Fittonia prefers temperatures between 16–24°C and dislikes cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Avoid placing it near air-conditioning vents, heaters or frequently opened doors. If your home gets chilly in winter, move it away from windows at night to keep it comfortable. Keeping temperatures stable will help prevent leaf curling or browning.
Pruning, propagation and styling
Regular pinching keeps Fittonia bushy and compact. Snip off the growing tips to encourage branching, and trim any leggy stems back to a node to stimulate new shoots. Propagation is easy from cuttings; simply root a short stem with a few leaves in water or directly in moist soil. Fittonias shine in grouped arrangements where their colours can pop against other foliage. For example, you can create a vibrant display by pairing them with small trailing plants from the colourful plant range available online, which complements their patterned leaves beautifully.
Common problems and how to fix them
Brown, crispy leaf edges often mean low humidity or inconsistent watering, so increase humidity and water more regularly. Drooping leaves can signal underwatering, but if the soil is soggy and the plant stays wilted, check for root rot. Pale or faded leaves usually mean it needs brighter indirect light. Watch out for pests like spider mites and mealybugs on the undersides of leaves; treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or by wiping the leaves clean. Improving airflow and keeping the soil lightly moist (not wet) will prevent most fungal issues.
Terrarium ideas and container tips
Because Fittonia thrives in high humidity, it is perfect for enclosed terrariums. Choose a clear glass container with some ventilation and layer pebbles, charcoal and terrarium compost for healthy root conditions. In regular pots, use shallow containers that highlight its spreading growth and place them at the front of plant groupings so their colours stand out. If you want inspiration on how to style them creatively, the detailed advice in this helpful care guide shows how to set up beautiful terrariums and compact displays using nerve plants.
Why Fittonia is worth growing
Fittonia adds an instant pop of colour and texture to any room without taking up much space. Its small size makes it ideal for desks, bathroom shelves or bedside tables, and its striking leaves brighten dark corners. As long as you provide gentle light, steady moisture and plenty of humidity, it will stay lush and lively for years. It is a forgiving plant that quickly recovers from wilting if watered promptly, making it perfect for busy or beginner plant owners.
Quick care checklist
Light: Bright, indirect light. Water: Keep evenly moist. Humidity: High; mist regularly. Soil: Light, well-draining mix. Temperature: 16–24°C. Feed: Diluted balanced fertiliser during growth. Prune: Pinch tips for bushiness. Propagate: Easy from stem cuttings.
Final thoughts
Fittonia may be small, but it brings big character to indoor spaces. With a little care, its vivid veins and lush leaves will stay beautiful year-round. Whether you place it in a glass terrarium or style it among other small houseplants, this nerve plant adds colour, texture and life to your home. If you want to experiment with companion plants or creative displays, exploring the wide variety of options available online will give you plenty of fresh ideas to work with.