Fittonia, otherwise known as the nerve plant, is a genus of flowering plant with networks of colorful veins flooding through its tiny leaves. Native to the tropical forests of South America, this is a famously thirsty plant, loving humidity, moist soil and warm temperatures. You’ll notice the foliage begin to flag or “faint” when it needs water. As long as you don’t wait too long to give it a drink, the foliage should firm up again in no time. A bathroom or kitchen would be a great home for your fittonia!
An attractive pairing plant to put with the fittonia is the hypoestes, or polka dot plant. They’re a related genus and have very similar sizes and colors. Both hypoestes and fittonia stay under 6 inches tall, making them perfect choices for a terrarium!
Fittonias will appreciate bright, indirect light, as it is found under the canopy of other plants in the jungles of Peru. They thrive in warm environments, so keep them away from cold drafts or heater vents that could dry them out. Pot them up in a moisture-retentive substrate and make sure the pot is not too deep. Fittonia roots are shallow and delicate. This makes them easy to divide and propagate, however! Cut a strong, healthy stem about 3” long and pop it into a jar of water. It should grow roots in the following weeks and be ready to plant into soil when there are multiple 1-2” long roots!
