Fittonia plants , commonly know as Nerve Plants , are lionise for bringing a stir of the tropic rainforest into home and offices . Native to the understory of South American rainforests , particularly in Peru , these plant have adapted to thrive in the moist , shaded condition beneath the slow canopy .
Their most vulgar identifying feature of speech is their patterned foliage , where the leave-taking display an intricate connection of veins in contrast colors against a backdrop of dark green . This veining can range from white , pink , to red , create a visual that mimics the nervous organisation , hence the uncouth name “ Nerve Plant . ” With their low growth habit , Fittonias rarely outstrip 6 inches in height , making them idealistic for terrarium , as ground covert , or in small Mary Jane where their sprawling nature can be appreciated .
The temptingness of Fittonia in horticulture stems not only from their aesthetic appeal but also from the challenge they face in culture . These plants are quite finicky about their surroundings , demanding mellow humidity levels to mime their innate home ground . They droop dramatically when hungry , displaying what ’s often referred to as “ fainting , ” but recover just as rapidly with a proper watering .
Despite this sensitivity , they are not generally considered difficult once their needs are met ; they require consistent moisture without being waterlogged , collateral but vivid light , and warm temperatures . Their maintenance has made them a favorite among plant enthusiast who revel the fundamental interaction of tending to a plant that responds visibly to its caution .
In terminal figure of varieties , Fittonia albivenis is the most ordinarily cultivated mintage , offer a palette of leaf nervure colors that include lily-white , pink , and various shades of red . Cultivars like ‘ Argyroneura ’ with its silvery veins , ‘ Frankie ’ with bubblegum pink , and ‘ Verschaffeltii ’ with its sheer red veining , showcase the diversity within this genus . Each mixed bag brings its own magic spell , allowing for creative combinations in flora video display .
Beyond their ornamental economic value , Fittonias are comparatively low - growing , making them sodding for smaller space or as part of a detailed indoor garden frame-up where they can be mix with other low - light , high - humidness loving plants .
Propagation of Fittonia is square , stem cuttings can be rooted in pee or directly in soil , with new plants pullulate from the nodes . This ease of multiplication , compound with their unique aesthetic , positioning Fittonias as both a gatherer ’s plant and a beginner - well-disposed alternative in the reality of indoor gardening . However , they do require alertness against common pests like wanderer mites , especially in less humid conditions , and care to avoid overwatering , which can lead to theme rot .
