A nerve plant (Fittonia argyroneura) is an easy houseplant that can thrive in a variety of settings. Their low light requirements make them a good choice for many rooms and their lack of toxicity makes them ideal for children and pets.
A nerve plant is a thirsty plant that needs regular watering. If the soil becomes dry, the plant will drop leaves and droop dramatically.
Watering
Nerve plants need plenty of water to stay healthy. This is because they thrive in humid conditions like those found in rainforests, which require a steady supply of moisture.
To ensure your nerve plant gets enough water, water it whenever the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Never overwater, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Aside from watering, you can also fertilize your nerve plant. Feed your plant with diluted houseplant food every few weeks during the growing season to help it stay healthy and grow.
In addition to watering, you should also make sure your nerve plant has full sunlight. This is important for its health, so place your plant in a bright spot or place it behind a window that receives indirect light.
Light
Light is a critical factor for the care of your nerve plant, as it performs best under bright, indirect light. Its jungly native habitats require dappled, shaded light that is filtered down from tree canopies.
If you display a nerve plant in a spot that gets direct sunlight, it can quickly burn its leaves. To avoid this problem, keep it a few feet away from windows that get a lot of sun throughout the day or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Nerve plants are also sensitive to overwatering and underwatering, so you’ll want to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Limp, yellowing leaves are a sign that your soil is too dry, so cut back on watering when you notice this condition.
Temperature
Aside from the sun, temperature is one of the most important factors for nerve plant care. It is necessary for the plant to maintain an optimal temperature range of 75-90 degrees (25-32) as well as high humidity.
The best way to ensure that your Fittonia argyroneura gets the right amount of moisture is to mist it twice a day. This will keep the plant from becoming dry, and it can also be helpful in arid climates or during the winter when the air becomes dry.
Nerve plants are sensitive to cold drafts, so be sure to protect them from the cold. And if you are tempted to raise the temperature of your Fittonia by setting it near a heater, resist this as this will cause it to dry out quickly.
To make it easier for your Nerve plant to thrive, you can propagate it from stem cuttings. These stem cuttings can be inserted into moist rooting soil in a warm, brightly lit area and maintained moist until new growth appears.
Humidity
Humidity is a term that refers to the concentration of water vapor in the air. This is one of several ways that moisture can be measured, and the concentration of water vapor varies depending on temperature, pressure, and other factors.
When it comes to caring for your nerve plant, humidity is a major concern. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, to encourage flower development and good foliage growth.
As with most plants, the key to successful nerve plant care is watering regularly. When the soil is dry, the leaves and stems of your nerve plant will feel crispy and can be damaged over time.
The best way to get your nerve plant the moisture it needs is to mimic its natural environment as much as possible. This includes giving it enough direct sunlight for it to thrive, but not too much. It also means placing it in a room that is well-ventilated to trap humidity in the air.
