Can Fittonia be grown in water? With growing methods and precautions

Fertilizer application: When fertilizing Fittonia, also follow the fertilization principle of "light fertilizer applied frequently, small amounts with more applications, complete nutrition," applying a compound fertilizer once a month as a top dressing.

Watering key points: Try to schedule watering Fittonia in the morning when temperatures are lower. In summer, water in the morning or evening when temperatures are low, and also mist the plant frequently. Winter: During the winter dormant period, try to schedule watering at noon on sunny days when temperatures are higher.

Propagation key points: When propagating Fittonia, you can cut cuttings from the creeping stems that grow out of the pot surface, about 10 cm long, generally keeping 3-4 stem nodes, removing the lower leaves, and after letting them dry slightly, insert them into a sand bed. Keep the cutting medium temperature between 24-30°C; generally they will root 7-14 days after insertion, and can be transplanted into pots after 1 month.

Potting soil replacement: When potting up Fittonia cuttings, be careful not to damage the roots, and keep them separate from the fertilizer to avoid burning the roots. After planting, water to settle the roots, then return to normal care.

Pest and disease control:

1. Common diseases of Fittonia include leaf rot and root rot. For leaf rot, spray with a 25% carbendazim wettable powder solution diluted 1000 times for control. For root rot, soak the roots with a streptomycin solution diluted 1000 times to sterilize.

2. Pests of Fittonia include scale insects, red spider mites and snails. For scale insects and red spider mites, spray with a 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate solution diluted 1000 times. Snails can be caught by hand or lured and killed with metaldehyde.

Precautions for growing White Fittonia

Potting soil requirements:

The potting soil is best as a sandy loam rich in humus; you can also use a mix of 50% peat soil or coir, 30% pond mud, and 20% river sand, or a loose, water-retentive peat nutrient soil. Because its root system is relatively shallow, there is no need to use a tall, deep pot for planting; a wide-mouthed shallow pot is better.

Temperature conditions:

The most suitable growing temperature for White Fittonia is 18°C-30°C. It dislikes cold and frost; in cold winters the overwintering temperature needs to be kept above 10°C. When the winter temperature drops below 4°C, it enters a dormant state, and if the ambient temperature approaches 0°C, it will die from frost damage.

Light conditions:

White Fittonia dislikes harsh sun exposure in summer, but needs to grow in suitable sunlight. Therefore, there should be 4-6 hours of diffused light each day. If indoor light is insufficient, you can place the potted plant under a fluorescent lamp at night to increase the number of light hours and ensure the plant's need for low light.

Watering method:

Watering should follow the principle of "better wet than dry," but never allow waterlogging. Normally keep the soil moist; during cold spells in winter, pay attention to keeping it warm and windproof, and reduce the amount of watering. Watering in the morning is best, to avoid water remaining on the leaves at night, which can cause cold damage and rot.

Fertilization method:

It can grow well without fertilization. Once every 1-2 months, you can apply a granular compound fertilizer or a dilute liquid fertilizer, which can make the leaf color and luster more brilliant. When fertilizing, be careful to avoid the fertilizer touching the leaf surface. To keep the plant shape attractive, newly potted seedlings should be pinched back several times to promote more branching.

Precautions for growing Fittonia

Pests and diseases

During the growth process, Fittonia will often suffer from pests and diseases, including diseases such as leaf rot and root rot, as well as pests such as scale insects, snails and red spider mites.

Pinching back

During the growing season of Fittonia, in order to encourage more branching and control the height of the plant, it needs to be pinched back frequently; this is beneficial for vigorous growth of Fittonia.

 Actually, in theory the vast majority of plants can be grown hydroponically, but hydroponics has some drawbacks, such as good short-term growth but long-term results inferior to soil cultivation. It also involves a process of acclimation, something that seems simple but actually has many intricacies.

  Without further ado, let's continue talking about hydroponic Fittonia. Flower lovers ask, can Fittonia be grown hydroponically? The answer is yes. Let's look at the specific steps below.

  Steps for converting soil-grown Fittonia to hydroponics:

  1. Prepare a hydroponic basket (mainly used to hold the Fittonia in place, prevent it from falling into the water, and keep the roots and stems able to reach the water while the leaves do not touch the water).

  2. Take the Fittonia out of the soil, trying not to damage too many roots, and wash the soil clean.

  3. Place the Fittonia on the hydroponic basket, letting 2/3 of the root system into the water and the other 1/3 exposed to the air to breathe, then place it in a spot without direct sunlight for care.