Want to grow a nerve plant?
Learn how to care for these tropical houseplants.
Theyre mostly grown as houseplants in the U.S., though they can grow outdoors inUSDA Hardiness Zones11-12.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Nerve plants arent theeasiest houseplants to care for, and they wont leave you off the hook for attention.
Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know to grow nerve plants successfully.
It works well as aterrarium plantbecause the enclosed environment offers higher humidity.
Here’s what they need to thrive:
Light
Nerve plants preferindirect but bright light.
They dont like direct sunlight.
Place them near a window that receives ample indirect sunlight for most of the day.
Soil and Water
Nerve plants grown indoors do best in peat-based potting mix.
The soil must be well-draining to prevent overly wet conditions.
This plant likes soil that leans toward the acidic side witha soil pHof around 6.5.
These plants are particular when it comes to water.
A rule of thumb is to check the soil to see if the plant needs water.
The first inch of soil should feel moist; if not, it’s time for a drink.
If you forget to water your nerve plant for a while, the leaves might wilt dramatically.
However, nerve plants recover well soon after you give them more water.
A plant humidifier nearby also helps boost humidity, or grow nerve plants in aclosed terrarium.
Avoid placing these plants near drafty windows, heaters, or vents.
A fertilizer created for tropical plants is best.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
In the fall and winter, growth slows down, and they dont need fertilizer then.
Pruning
When nerve plants have their favorite conditions, they can grow quickly.
Sometimes, thestems become leggy, but that is easy to resolve.
If any flower spikes appear, which is rare, snip them off, too.
The best time to repot your nerve plant is in the spring when it begins to show new growth.
Grab a slightly bigger pot with drainage holes and fill it partway with fresh potting mix.
Place the plant into the soil and cover the roots completely.
Add additional potting mix if needed to fill the pot.
Pests and Problems
Aphids and mealybugs arecommon houseplant peststhat can bother a nerve plant.
Check the leaves for aphids, which leave secretions with a wet or sticky residue.
If you see a few mealybugs, dab them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Bothaphidsandmealybugscan be treated withneem oilapplied directly to the infested areas.
The ideal time is in late spring or early summer.
Roots typically sprout between two to three weeks later.
Here are some varieties you might find.
Fortissimo
Fittonia albivenisFortissimo is one of the larger nerve plants at 6 inches tall.
It has large green leaves with prominent pink to red-hued veins and inconspicuous, tiny green flowers.
Frankie
Fittonia albivenisFrankie has dark green leaves leaves that have more pink coloring than green.
As it grows, it displays solid pink leaves.
Its soil should never completely dry out; keep it moist, not wet.
Pink Angel
Fittonia albivenisPink Angel has dark green leaves with bright pink veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, nerve plants like to be misted.
Although nerve plants arent particularly difficult to care for, they can be temperamental.
They need a warm, humid, almost tropical environment, which can be challenging to maintain indoors.
