The Fittonia plant, also known as the nerve plant, is a popular houseplant loved for its unique appearance and ease of care. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America and is known for its distinct veined leaves that come in shades of pink, white, and green.
One of the reasons why the Fittonia plant is so distinct is because of its leaves. The leaves have a delicate, almost lace-like appearance, and their veins run parallel, giving them a net-like texture. The colours of the leaves can vary depending on the species and can range from bright green to deep red, making them a popular choice for adding a pop of colour to any room.
When caring for the Fittonia plant, it's important to remember that it needs to be kept in a humid environment. This plant thrives in high humidity and needs a well-draining, fertile soil mix. It's best to water the plant when the top inch of the soil becomes dry, but be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot. The plant will visibly collapse if there is not enough moisture, but it quickly bounces back after watering.
Fittonias are natural shade lovers who will thrive in bright but indirect light (imagine the dappled sunlight on the rainforest floor). Their leaves quickly burn in bright direct sunlight, so don’t keep them in an east or south-facing window. They can handle low light conditions, but in insufficient lighting, they may lose some of their colour vibrancy.
One of the reasons why the Fittonia plant is such a popular choice for terrariums is because of its small size, love of moisture and low maintenance requirements. They are the perfect size for our bestselling Tinyjohns, and create beautiful ground covering in our terrarium domes.
Fittonias are also completely non-toxic so they are perfectly safe in homes with children and pets.
“Fittonia were one of the first plants I used in terrariums, at first I only thought they came in white and pink, but over the years the variety of leaf shapes and patterns has led them to still be a favourite; next time you see a Fittonia make sure you take a close look at the patterns on the leaves, you will often find a hybrid of colours which feels like you have found a four-leaf clover!” Emma Sibley, London Terrariums founder
You can buy a range of fittonias in our Shoreditch store, and a fittonia mix online.
