A Detailed Guide to Growing and Caring for Nerve Plants

The nerve plant (Fittonia) has a light, graceful habit and a small, delicate form, making it a miniature potted plant among foliage plants. Because its leaf veins are clear, its leaf color is soft and elegant, and its texture is even, it is deeply loved by people and is currently a very popular small potted variety in Europe and America. Below we introduce the growing methods and precautions for nerve plants.

I. Growing Methods

1. Light and Temperature

The nerve plant prefers a semi-shaded growing environment and does not like direct sunlight. In summer, the nerve plant needs to be shaded, blocking most of the sunlight. In winter, the nerve plant can be moved indoors to a spot where it can receive sunlight for care.

The suitable temperature for nerve plant growth is between 18 and 24°C. It is relatively intolerant of cold, and the best overwintering temperature in winter is above 10°C, and not lower than 8°C.

2. Soil

When planting the nerve plant, you can choose soil rich in humus, which requires strong air permeability and also strong water retention capacity; peat soil can also be used.

3. Watering and Fertilizing

Watering the nerve plant requires a certain amount of skill, because the root system of the nerve plant is relatively shallow, so when watering, whether there is too much water or too little water, the effects are both bad. Basically, the potting soil should be kept slightly moist, and it must not be too dry or too wet. If it is too dry, the leaves will lack water; if it is too wet, the rhizomes of the nerve plant will rot.

The nerve plant has a relatively high demand for fertilizer, but fertilizing should follow the rule of applying thin fertilizer frequently. During the period of vigorous growth of the nerve plant, it can be fertilized once every half month. In order to make the leaves emerald green, you can spray some manganese sulfate solution on the leaves.

4. Propagation Methods

The nerve plant is usually propagated by division, cuttings, and tissue culture.

II. Precautions

1. Pests and Diseases

During the growth process of the nerve plant, pests and diseases often appear, but there are also diseases such as leaf rot and root rot, as well as pests such as scale insects, snails, and red spider mites.

2. Pinching

During the growing season of the nerve plant, in order to encourage it to branch more and to control the height of the plant, it needs to be pinched frequently. In this way, it is beneficial for the vigorous growth of the nerve plant.