Nerve Plant Plant Care

Nerve Plant (Fittonia) belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Nerve Plant is native to Tropical rainforests in South America (Columbia and Peru). Nerve Plant is also known as Mosaic Plant, Painted Net Leaf.

Nerve Plant displays a low spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Nerve Plant produces none.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Nerve Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Nerve Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Nerve Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Fittonia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Nerve Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention.. Good drainage is essential for Nerve Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Nerve Plant every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nerve Plant is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Nerve Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m). Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Nerve Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Nerve Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Nerve Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nerve plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Nerve Plant is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Nerve Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Nerve Plant is native to Tropical rainforests in South America (Columbia and Peru). In cooler regions, grow Nerve Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.