Nerve plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called fittonia, mosaic plant · Fittonia albivenis · Acanthaceae family
6 d in winter
How often to water the nerve plant?
Allow about 4 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 6 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
It collapses dramatically when thirsty, then stands back up an hour after watering. Ideal in a terrarium.
Misting every 2 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The nerve plant is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 4–6 in (10–15 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Plant completely collapsed
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water straight away; it perks back up.
Dry edges
Cause: Air too dry. What to do: Mist it or grow it in a terrarium.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the nerve plant?
About every 4 days in spring and summer, and every 6 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the nerve plant?
The nerve plant is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the nerve plant?
Yes, misting every 2 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the nerve plant?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the nerve plant safe?
The nerve plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the nerve plant needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.