Plants
Nerve plant care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Fittonia albivenis · Common name: Nerve plant
A low plant with a contrasting network of white, pink or red veins depending on variety.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Filtered light; harsh direct sun can damage the thin leaves.
- Watering
- Check the mix often: do not let it dry completely or remain waterlogged.
How to identify it
A low plant with a contrasting network of white, pink or red veins depending on variety.
Light
Filtered light; harsh direct sun can damage the thin leaves.
Watering
Check the mix often: do not let it dry completely or remain waterlogged.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
It benefits from steady warmth and humidity; avoid dry draughts.
Potting mix and feeding
Use a draining mix that retains some moisture, matched to pot size and the drying rate in your home.
During active growth, follow a suitable feed label. First check light, water and roots if the plant is declining.
Problems to check
Sudden wilting may follow dryness, but feel the mix before watering.
How to assess yellow leavesCommon question
Why does it suddenly collapse?
Check moisture, temperature and roots first; not every wilt means thirst.
Botanical source
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