Nerve Plant
A small, low plant with leaves veined in white, pink or red like a circuit board. Pet-safe and perfect for terrariums and bathrooms, it faints when thirsty and revives within an hour of water.
The nerve plant is a rainforest floor plant, which explains everything about it: it likes shade, it likes damp, and it collapses like a fainting Victorian the moment the soil dries. Water it and it is upright within the hour.
It is safe for pets and small enough for a desk, and it is the classic terrarium plant, where the humidity it craves comes free.
Light
Low to medium indirect light. A north window or a shaded spot in a brighter room. Direct sun scorches it fast. It is one of the better plants for a genuinely dim corner if the humidity is there.
Water
Consistently moist, never soggy and never dry. In summer that is every four days or so; in winter, weekly. When it faints, water it; it recovers. Repeated fainting weakens it, so try not to let it get that far.
Soil and potting
A peat-based mix that holds moisture. Repot yearly in spring, an inch up, or pinch it back and keep it in the same pot.
Feeding
A quarter-strength feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Stem cuttings root easily in damp soil or water, kept warm and humid. Pinch the tips regularly and root the pinchings.
In a hot, dry home
Only in a terrarium, a cloche, or a bathroom with a window. Open-air in a dry, air-conditioned room it browns and faints daily. Under glass it is easy and gorgeous.
Nerve Plant varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- White (Argyroneura)
Green leaves with white veins.
- Red
Red-veined.
- Pink
Pink-veined.
Problems and fixes
Whole plant collapsed
Likely cause: Dry soil
Fix: Water immediately. It recovers within an hour.
Brown, crispy edges
Likely cause: Low humidity
Fix: Move to a terrarium, cloche or bathroom.
Yellow leaves, soggy soil
Likely cause: Overwatering with poor drainage
Fix: Improve drainage and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Leggy stems
Likely cause: Too little light, or lack of pinching
Fix: Pinch the tips regularly to keep it bushy.
Nerve Plant questions
Is the nerve plant safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. Fittonia is non-toxic to pets and people.
Why does my nerve plant keep wilting?
It dries out fast and faints when it does. Keep the soil consistently moist and raise the humidity.
Can a nerve plant live in a terrarium?
It is one of the best terrarium plants. The enclosed humidity is exactly what it wants.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Polka Dot Plant
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
