Green Fittonia Plant  (Fittonia albivenis)

Description

The Green Fittonia small-leaved plant is a popular houseplant due to its good foliage qualities. Its scientific name is Fittonia albivenis; although many will recognize it as the Nerve Plant. The reason for this name is the many tiny pale coloured lines running along the leaf surfaces like delicate nerves or veins. The leaves are a rich green and the pale veins provide a strong contrast to the green and give the plant an attractive patterned appearance which many find very relaxing to view.

Green Fittonia is a low growing bushy plant. It does not get very tall but fills out its pot with sprawling growth. Because of its attractive habit and size this plant looks particularly attractive on a desk in an office, in a study, on a kitchen table or on any windowsill where space may be limited. This plant is generally recommended to those starting to keep houseplants as the Fittonia is a small plant and doesn't require a large area. This plant is grown primarily for its foliage rather than its flowers and for that reason the colour and pattern are particularly important features.

Fittonia naturally grows on the forest floor in hot damp conditions under cover. In relation to indoor growing conditions the plant prefers warmth and moisture and is usually found doing well in bathrooms which contain windows or in kitchens and sitting rooms where humidity may be sufficient.This plant is not suitable for an outdoor balcony with full sun due to its fine leaf which would burn in very hot weather.

There are only really two forms of fittonia to purchase, sold either bare root or in tiny pots, and both are simple to keep on a shelf, the table, or on a window ledge. These small plants make them ideal for office desk plants, and house desk plants. And many just keep them as house plants as they make such a good show of green and white in any room, and only require the basic watering and suitable place.

Key features

• Deep green leaves with light veining running through them 
• It's nice and compact so it takes up very little room on a desk, shelf or window ledge.
• Primarily grown for its attractive foliage which can provide year-round colour as flowers are not required
• It would do quite well in a moist environment indoors like the bathroom or a low-lit kitchen.
• A small but good add to studio apartments and it would fit just fine on my desk.
• Once you know its required soil is a bit wet, it is quite easy to water it simply.
• It is already in a display pot, therefore, will not require repotting for the first of its life.
• Perfect as an inexpensive, thoughtful gift for plant lovers or beginners.

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 × Live Green Fittonia plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• All plants are living organisms, therefore it is natural for each to have slightly varying sizes of leaves, color, and shape to those shown in the picture.
• The plant might lose some of its leaves and perhaps wilt a bit while travelling. This should not be too much of an issue and the plant should recover to normal after about a week with good care.
• Protect the plant from intense direct light and particularly afternoon sun, as it may burn the leaves.
• Do not place near the vents of an air conditioning unit, or in the path of a cold draft; Fittonia do not respond well to dry, cool air.
• If it becomes very cold, growth might actually stop or decrease for a while, and then resume as it warms up again.
• Do not allow young children or pets to chew on the plant-as a safety measure with all houseplants.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are the leaves of my Fittonia turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can also indicate over or underwatering. Ensure that the plant has good drainage and you aren't watering before the soil has dried a little. Also ensure the room isn't too dry.

Q: How often should I water this plant?

A: It's hard to give an exact number of days as this will vary depending on how hot or humid your house is. It is best to water the plant when the top of the soil looks dry but to avoid letting it dry out completely for prolonged periods as it wilts rather quickly.

Q: Can I keep this plant indoors all the time?

A: Yes, Fittonia is predominantly an indoor plant. It tolerates any room of the house as long as it has some indirect bright light and has humidity-so, for example, near a window with filtered sunlight, in a kitchen or bathroom of the house.

Q: Does this plant need direct sunlight?

A: No, very intense, direct sunlight will burn its delicate leaves. It does best in a light but not direct situation, such as a few feet away from a window, or with filter light.

Q: How fast does the Green Fittonia grow?

A: A slow- to moderate grower. It tends to grow more wide than tall and will eventually fill the container, so don't look for rapid vertical growth.

Q: When should I repot my Fittonia?

A: Re-pot the plant about once a year when roots start to poke through the drainage hole or are growing in circles around the inside of the container. Shift the plant into a container only slightly larger, using a good-draining potting mix.