White Nerve Plant Fittonia albivenis, 6" HB

Quick Description

While a practical house plant that is great for beginners and longtime plant parents alike. The ‘White Nerve plant’ is a strikingly beautiful plant. The bright white veining makes for a striking contrast! 

Key Information and Plant Overview

• Other Common Names: Mosaic Plant, Jewel Plant 
• Binomial Name: Fittonia albivenis
• Care Level: Easy
• Light: Bright indirect, Medium, Low
• Water: Keep soil moist but never soggy
• Pet Friendly: Yes

This creeping perennial is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, growing to a height of 3 to 6 inches with a spread of 12 to 18 inches. Its ability to thrive in various light conditions makes this plant an excellent house plant for beginners and experienced plant parents alike. 

In order to keep the plant looking vivacious and soft leaves, an environment with higher humidity levels is required. Bathrooms, kitchens, are perfect for the nerve plant. Each leaf is delicately highlighted with silvery-white veining. It is the white veining and deep-green leaves that give this plant its striking appearance. 

PlantX Top Tip: Misting the plant every morning will help to increase the humidity as well as prevent the soil from drying out.

How to Care for White Nerve Plant 

• Light: Bright indirect, medium, and low
• Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
• Humidity: Average relative humidity of 25% to 49%
• Temperature: Average from 18°C to 24°C (65°F - 75°F)
• Fertilizer: Weekly during the growing season of spring and summer months. Cut back to monthly feeding in the winter. and use a balanced fertilizer. Ex 5-5-5. If using a Liquid fertilizer make sure to dilute with water before applying.
• Soil: Moisture retaining potting soil with a peat moss base.
• Propagation: Leaf-tip cuttings during late spring or early summer. 
• Repotting: This can be done every 12-18 months. Choose a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the original pot.
• Cleaning Tip: Pinch off stem tips to keep the plant full.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic

White Nerve Plant - Common Problems

Leaves are turning yellow: This can be a result of too much water. Try using a pot with drainage holes to help prevent soggy soil.

Why are the plant leaves falling off: If in an environment where there are cold temperatures or drafts will result in falling leaves. Try to provide it with more Tropical conditions having a home temperature between 16°C - 26°C (60°F-80°F). Placing away from drafts from air conditioner units or furnaces.

Dry or shriveled leaves: The leaves will easily shrivel up if the plant is not receiving enough humidity or is sitting in direct sunlight. 

Signs of Overwatering: leaves turning yellow 

Common Pests: Fungus gnats, Mealy Bugs, and Aphids

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nerve plants fast-growing? If the plant is grown indoors, they tend to be more slow-growing. Place your plant in bright, indirect light and watch it flourish!

Can Nerve plants grow outside? Most locations you cannot grow Nerve Plants outside unless you live in zone 11 or higher. Nerve Plants like the temperatures to be 21°C (70°F) but can tolerate 16°C - 26°C (60°F-80°F).

What can I use if there is an insect problem? Treat the Infected plant immediately using insecticidal oil (Neem Oil) and isolate the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading to your surrounding plants.

How to care for nerve plants? Nerve plants thrive in well-draining moist potting soil that is rich in organic matter. Place your nerve plant where the temperatures sit between 16 and 26°C (60 – 80°F) and they can receive a slightly higher amount of humidity. These plants are used to being in the lower canopies of Brazil's rainforests and require humidity to keep their leaves from drying out.