Nerve Plant
Fittonia albivenis · Acanthaceae
- Light
- Medium to bright-indirect
- Water
- Moderate
- Humidity
- High
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- Yes
- Propagation
- Stem Cuttings, Division
Common problems: Spider MitesFungus GnatsRoot RotAphids
Quick facts
- Light: Medium to bright indirect · Water: Keep evenly lightly moist
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pet-safe: Yes
Description
A low-growing foliage plant with dramatically contrasting veins running across small leaves. It is famous for fainting when dry, then perking back up after watering, which makes it easy to read but also easy to stress repeatedly.
Care
- Light: Bright indirect or medium indirect; avoid harsh direct sun.
- Water: Keep lightly and fairly evenly moist without leaving it swampy.
- Soil & potting: Moisture-retentive but airy mix with drainage.
- Humidity & temperature: Likes warmth and elevated humidity.
- Feeding: Light feeding in active growth.
- Repotting / propagation: Trim and pinch to keep it dense instead of leggy.
Propagation
Easy from stem cuttings or by division of spreading clumps. It roots readily in warm, humid conditions. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Generally treated as pet-safe and commonly listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Spider Mites — especially when humidity stays low.
- Fungus Gnats — common if the soil stays wet constantly.
- Root Rot — from poor drainage and chronic saturation.
- Aphids — sometimes on tender new growth.
- Sudden dramatic wilt? Often just thirst, though repeated collapse is still hard on the plant.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.