The Nerve Plant 'Jade'

A funky little plant with patterns of pink and green running across the jade foliage.

Fittonia are super easy care plants and fantastic in terrariums or pots. As low growing creepers, they are also a knockout in hanging baskets as they will grow to gracefully trail over the edge. If you live in the tropics they can make a fantastic little ground cover.

Fittonia will flower, but the blooms pale in comparison to the foliage. The narrow floral spikes have little white or yellow blooms in summer.

As well as being commonly known as the Nerve Plant, Fittonia can also go by Painted Net Leaf, The Mosaic Plant and Painted Net Leaf.

Size (HxW): 10-20cm x 10-20cm

I see the light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. You should be able to read during the day in their position in the room without turning on a light. If you only have artificial light, they will need about eight hours a day. They can cope with less light but you will lose some of the beautiful patterning.

Water Needs: Water fairly freely spring/summer and less in winter – every other week. The pot should be kept moist, they will forgive you if you miss a watering or two, but will droop sullenly. Over watering can lead to rotting.

They appreciate some humidity – especially in homes with ducted heating/air conditioning. It isn’t as vital as for many houseplants, so you might get away without it. But, you can provide some humidity for your beloved plant, by placing them over a plate with rocks and water, this will naturally form humidity around the plant. Or if you want to get very fancy and grow a few of these tropical treats, purchasing a humidifier is a good investment – they are also good for you. Or you could grow it in a bathroom which naturally gets a good dose of steam. Or grow with other plants where the humidity will naturally form around the plants. They are also fantastic in terrariums.

I will Survive: They can stretch, don’t be afraid to prune them back down to size in spring. You can even use the stems for cuttings. Use a diluted liquid fertiliser spring/summer, they aren’t overly hungry.

Their ideal temperature range is 16-28C, keep them clear of cold draughty positions or they will sulk.