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Fittonias are an interesting genus , with only two species ( Fittonia albivenisandFittonia gigantea ) and dozens ofFittonia variety and cultivar , mostly fromFittonia albivenis .
Members of theAcanthaceaefamily and native to the rainforest of Peru , South America . These herbaceous perennial have become pry tropical houseplant for their colorful veins , which have garner them the nickname of nerve flora .
These tropical industrial plant cultivars are separated into two radical establish on their vein gloss : theFittonia Argyroneura Group and Fittonia Verschaffeltii Group , sometimes called Fittonia verschaffeltii ( fit - TOH - neeuh ver - shaf - FELT - ee - oculus ) .
This latter chemical group we ’ll be focusing on , which includes all the darker - vein cultivars and is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit .
The Verschaffeltii Group has many vernacular names , admit :
Some of the more popular appendage of this group include :
Silver Fittonia Care
Size & Growth
As the Verschaffeltii Group are all cultivars ofFittonia albivenis , they tend to only grow to about 3″ to 12 ” inches magniloquent and 6″ to 18 ” column inch across .
What sets the Verschaffeltii Group aside are the darker veined leave , ranging from pinkish to red .
The underside of these ovate folio are sometimes burgundy to maroon or purple , while the tops tend to be sullen green ( but may also be a lighter green ) or variegate .
Flowering and Fragrance
When they do flower , members of the Verschaffeltii Group incline to bear partially obscure 3 ” inch flower spikes with tiny blank to off - white peak , which may have a slightly cerise tint .
As they are unimpressive , agriculturalist are bed to pinch them off , so the plant will focus its resource on the foliage rather .
Indirect Light & Temperature
Being a patron of the forest storey , direct sunshine will easily scorch Fittonia ’s leave .
alfresco , dappled sunlight work on best , but the plant life can develop in the wraith if you do n’t beware losing some of those vivacious colors .
Indoors , bright , indirect light is prefer .
A fluorescent grow lamp will also work wonders .
It ’s potential to give the plant a little direct light in the dawning or evening when the sun is at its least harsh , but it should be sheltered during midday .
One thing that worries a passel of potential enthusiasts is Fittonia ’s preference for high humid surround .
While it will undoubtedly thrive in 60 to 90 % percent humidity , a kitchen or bathroom will unremarkably suffice .
Augment the ambient humidness by grouping it with other plants , oftentimes misting , give it a pebble tray , and/or placing it near a humidifier .
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 11 to 12 , you may produce fellow member of the Verschaffeltii Group alfresco .
While a few cultivars can handle slightly cool temperatures , it ’s ordinarily best to grow them in a container if you live in a ice chest region .
void pip with verbatim airflow and never expose your fittonia to temperatures of 50 ° degrees Fahrenheit or below .
Ideally , it would help if you kept it in temperatures between 60 ° and 80 ° degrees Fahrenheit and avoiding any drops below 55 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Water and Feeding
Fittonias can be chemically sensitive to body of water precondition and will dramatically swoon if leave without water for a few day .
The suddenly sag leaves can be revived almost as soon as the industrial plant is watered .
The fainting spells are harmless if it only take place once or double , but repeated magic spell can do permanent damage to the plant .
It ’s best to use the soak - and - dry method with these plants , poking your finger into the dirt to ensure for dryness before lachrymation . Fittonias do not like soggy stain .
In the case of Fittonias , the dirt need to be ¼ dry before watering , imply you should n’t feel any moisture until your finger has go a poop of the way down the side of the heap .
As a general dominion , these plants will need course monthly , but only during spring and summer .
Go with a balanced houseplant liquid fertilizer , such as a 5 - 5 - 5 NPK , and dilute it by half .
nullify feeding in fall and wintertime month , as this is the plant ’s dormant phase .
Soil & Transplanting
Being native to the floors of tropical rain forest , Fittonias love rich , loamy soil .
A good tropical mixing or any peat - establish potting soil will in general work well .
You may wish to amend it with perlite to insure proper drain and should endeavor to maintain a slightly acidulous pH of around 6.5 .
You will call for to repot these plants each springiness , using reinvigorated grime .
Grooming And Maintenance
Outdoor Fittonias may require more frequent pruning than potted ones .
You will want to squeeze off the stem tip to control the shape and size of it of your plant , as well as to prevent legginess .
While not necessary , many growers who are n’t concerned in the blooms will pinch off bloom spikes as they develop to advance foliage growth .
How To Propagate Green Nerve Plant
By far , the most democratic ( and soft ) method acting of propagating Fittonia is through stem cuttings , which may be produce in either soil or water .
For the more adventurous , tune layering and leaf - cutting are also variable ( albeit more difficult ) option .
White Nerve Plant Pests or Diseases
Avoid cold temperature or drought experimental condition with this plant .
Aphids , fungus gnats , mealy bug , scale , slugs and escargot , and spider mites are common pests , with mealybug being the most predominant .
Meanwhile , foliage office and various forms of rot are all common infections .
All Fittonia plants are view safe and non - toxic to children and pets .
Argyroneura Group Uses
When paired with members of the Argyroneura Group , the Verschaffeltii Group makes a spectacular statement , either as a group of potted plants or as a ground cover .
Their trailing habit also makes them perfect for hanging baskets .
