Description
They are spreading evergreen perennials growing 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall. They bear lush green leaves with accented veins of white to deep pink and have a short fuzz covering their stems. Small buds may appear after a time where the stem splits into leaves.
The leaves of the Fittonia are dark green, but they are much more easily recognized by their network of red or white veins covering the leaves' surface. Fittonia normally grows in tropical rainforests and prefers to remain part of the underbrush.
Mature plants will reach up to 8" tall and spread to fill a 1.5' area. The deep, olive-green, ovate foliage can reach up to 4" long and has contrasting white to red veins. The upright, terminal, spike type inflorescences can reach up to 3" long and are made up of densely packed bracts.
Product Constituents
- Fittonia green - Plant in 5inches Self watering Plastic Pot
Plant Care
- Fittonia need to have just a hint of moisture in the soil at all times (in other words: not too dry, not too wet).
- It's best to keep your fittonia plant in indirect (but bright) sunlight and keep it away from a drafty door or window.
- Fittonia prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F.
- In the growing season you should water your Fittonia every 3-4 days, but let the soil dry out between each watering.
- In the Winter, once a fortnight should be enough.
- Nerve Plants don't like having wet feet so avoid letting them sit in water for prolonged periods of time.
- Your Fittonia prefers bright, indirect light.
- Lower light can cause it to lose some of its vibrant color and growth will slow. Too much light can burn the leaves.
- Your Fittonia loves water and to be consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Fittonia can attract spider mites and mealybugs, so check the leaves regularly.
- Pinch back Fittonia stems to encourage bushy growth. Fittonia responds well to pruning and can become bushier if you regularly pinch back the stems. Fertilise every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Benefits
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Fittonia plants, also known as nerve plants, cleanse the atmosphere by reducing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, increasing humidity, and boosting air quality.
- Additionally, it aids in lowering environmental levels of benzene and nitrogen dioxide.
- In its home in South America, Fittonia grows as a creeping herb, terrestrial rather than epiphytic.
- It has various traditional medicinal uses including as a headache treatment, as a way of making dogs better at hunting, and for treating liver problems.
- The Fittonia plant symbolizes boldness, trustworthiness, and rational thought.
- Otherwise known as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, Fittonia is a popular air-purifying houseplant due to its lush, patterned leaves.
- Not only is it a beautiful plant, but it also has some amazing air-purifying benefits.
- It is effective at removing benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from the air.
