Nerve Plant ‘Super Red’ (Fittonia verschaffeltii)
This colorful plant is from South America and is just stunning! It’s called a Nerve Plant because of the bright red veins on the leaves (they kinda look like nerves!).
It does like dry air and low humidity and you will also want to watch out for cold drafts. Apart from that, it’s a pretty easy grower and will look gorgeous in any room.
Nerve Plant Problems
Yellow leaves are a symptom of too much water. Too-frequent watering or poor drainage will cause foliage to turn yellow. Use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil that can lead to root rot.
Leaf drop is likely caused by cold temperatures or drafts from nearby windows. This tropical native prefers the same warm temperatures that you do.
Dry, shriveled leaves are a sign of dry air or direct sun exposure. Room humidity can drop drastically in the winter months. Use a room humidifier, if needed, and keep your plant out of direct sunlight.
Pests and diseases sometimes arrive with a new plant. It’s a good idea to look over your houseplants regularly for insects, sticky honeydew or sooty mold. Aphids are the most common pest for a young plant, because they feed on new growth. Treat any infestation immediately and isolate any affected plant to prevent pests from moving on to your other indoor plants.
Nerve Plant Care Tips
Light: Low to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which may cause shriveled leaves. Nerve plant grows well under a grow light.
Water: Keep soil constantly moist. Nerve plant will collapse if it dries out. Yellow leaves on this plant indicate too much water or poor drainage. Fittonia needs moisture at all times, but it won’t tolerate soggy soil. Cut off yellow leaves and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Humidity: High humidity (around 60-70% relative humidity). Nerve plant grows well in the humid environment of a wardian case or a terrarium. Dry air will cause shriveled leaves.
Temperature: Average room temperatures 65-75°F/18-24°C. Fittonia will tolerate a minimum of 60°F/16°C. It’s a good idea to keep your tropical plants out of cold blasts from doorways and away from heat/AC vents, which can cause leaf drop.
Soil: Peat-based mix with added perlite, such as African violet potting mix is ideal.
Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 months spring through fall with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
Propagation: Take 2 in (5 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring and insert them in moist potting mix. They propagate easily in a warm, humid environment, rooting in about 2-3 weeks.
| Growing Information | |
| Mature Height: | 6 inches |
| Mature Width: | |
| Sunlight: | Partial Sun/Shade |
| Bloom Time: | |
| Growth Rate: | Easy grower |
| Grows Well In Zones: | Indoors |
| Your Growing Zone: | 6 |
