Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Fittonia, Fittonia albivenis, Fittonia verschaffeltii, Fittonia agyroneura, Fittonia gigantea. |
Common name |
Fittonia, Fittonia, Nerve plant (Nerv plant). |
Family |
Acanthaceae. |
Origin |
Colombia, Peru. |
Dimensions |
5 to 60 cm high x 30 to 60 cm wide. The long, flexible stems are creeping or drooping. |
Foliage |
Evergreen leaves, oval in shape and with colored veins, in white, yellow, pink or silver tones. |
Bloom |
Very small flower spikes in summer. |
Exposure |
Partial shade, natural light in winter. |
Ground |
Light, moist potting soil. |
Rusticity |
13°C. |
With a highly developed and intensely colored network of veins, on a blade ranging from light green to dark green, the graphic leaves of fittonias provide a permanent spectacle.
Demanding,
his taste for hot, humid and dimly lit environments is fortunately not very difficult to satisfy.
Where to place a Fittonia?
An undergrowth ground cover plant,
Fittonia
is prolific when its leaves are sheltered from direct sunlight,
in partial shade,
or in the shade.
However, during the winter, it appreciates a little more light, but always without direct exposure, at the risk of seeing its delicate leaves roast.
Large temperature differences should be avoided.
The temperature for optimal growth is between
18 and 24°C
(never place it in a place where the temperature may drop below 15°C).
How to water Fittonia?
The proximity of other green plants, for example Boston ferns, helps create a humid atmosphere around the Fittonia foliage.
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No use without permission.
The substrate should be kept moist but not soggy.
Watering is therefore regular and generous in spring and summer, then reduced when it gets a little colder and the days shorten.
It is also important to mist the foliage frequently, or you can place the pot on a tray lined with gravel which you will keep moist.
Caution: the bottom of the pot must not swim in water.
The proximity of other green plants, for example Boston ferns, helps create a humid atmosphere around the foliage.
How to take care of Fittonia?
Caring for a Fittonia is not complicated, but it does require some time.
Fertilization
: from the second year, add liquid fertilizer to
green plants from late spring to fall, once or twice a month, except for plants in terrariums;
Pruning
: to encourage branching of the stems, pinch the ends regularly.
To encourage the production of beautiful young shoots, and maintain a compact shape, cut back the long stems in spring;
Repotting
: slow growing, Fittonia can only be repotted every three years, during the month of March.
Propagation
: stem cutting in spring, in the warmth, or removal of layers.
Large clumps can also be divided in spring.
Why is my Fittonia dying?
Ambient humidity is important.
This is why we like to place the Fittonia in a bathroom or a closed terrarium.
Locations in drying air currents should be avoided: they are responsible for leaf fall, then the death of the Fittonia.
Varieties of Fittonia, with beautiful leaves
Certain varieties of Fittonias like ''Red Star'' offer an extraordinary range of colors!
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No use without permission.
The species, varieties and cultivars of Fittonias offer an extraordinary palette of colors: pink, red, white.
In commerce, names are rarely specified.
''
Red Star'
: emerald green leaves with raspberry pink veins;
'White Anne'
: green leaves with white veins;
'Skelton'
: light green leaves with red veins.
How to take cuttings from a Fittonia?
Using a clean pair of scissors, cut a piece of healthy stem, ideally with 3 to 4 leaves, just below a node.
Remove all leaves
except the top two.
Immerse the base of the prepared cuttings in a glass of water.
Also read: Stewed cuttings: a simple, free and reliable technique for multiplying your plants!
You will need to remember to change the water every two days at most to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
Once the first roots appear, gently repot the plant in a bucket or pot filled with light, draining potting soil.
Keep it moist.