The illustrated growing guide
Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Fittonia albivenis
Family Acanthaceae
Est. zones 11-12
The little plant with the vivid vein networks that literally faints when thirsty — it wilts flat and springs back within an hour of watering, a handy (if theatrical) reminder. Loves terrarium humidity; struggles in dry winter air on an open shelf. Pet-safe and made for closed cases.
Medium indirect — no direct sun
Moderate water
Slow growth
None winter chill
From the print shop
Growing nerve plant (fittonia)? Hang it.
Our Houseplants Vol. 2 collection carries nerve plant (fittonia) — Fittonia albivenis, print Nº 9, “Fittonia.”
16 designsfrom $21.99white or black groundmatte poster, unframed
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Overview
Will nerve plant (fittonia) suit your garden, and what goes wrong.
Will it thrive where you are?
Enter your ZIP — we look up your USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) and check it against what nerve plant (fittonia) actually needs.
Hardy inZones 11-12Nerve Plant (Fittonia) at a glance
Common nerve plant (fittonia) problems
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Growing
Light, water, soil, propagation and the season’s jobs.
How to grow nerve plant (fittonia): light, water & soil
How to plant & propagate nerve plant (fittonia)
When to spray nerve plant (fittonia)
Growing season. High humidity — a terrarium or pebble tray is ideal.
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The year
What nerve plant (fittonia) asks for, month by month.
The nerve plant (fittonia) year, month by month
No fixed season calendar for nerve plant (fittonia) — its care follows conditions, not the calendar.
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Ecology & uses
What it does for the garden, and what it is grown for.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia) in the garden system
What nerve plant (fittonia) is grown for
✓ Not known to be toxicSafe for pets
Edibility, identification, and traditional-use notes here are general reference — not medical or veterinary advice, and not a claim that any plant treats or prevents anything. Medicinal ratings record how strongly a plant features in herbal tradition, nothing more. Never eat or dose a plant you have not positively identified. More on how to use this library.
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Cultivars
Named varieties of nerve plant (fittonia), ruled as a catalogue.
Best nerve plant (fittonia) varieties & cultivars
'Red Anne', 'White Anne', 'Mosaic' — pink, white, or red vein networks
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Sources & plant ID
Where the care distinctions come from, and how the plant is filed.
Research basis
Sources behind this profile
No extension citations are attached to nerve plant (fittonia)yet. The care figures below come from the library's own catalogue rather than a traced primary source.
Plant ID
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Where to buy
Third-party nurseries — not Story Thyme Farms.
Third-party nurseries, not Story Thyme Farms. Prices are theirs.
Story Thyme Farms may earn a small commission from these links, at no cost to you — it never changes what we recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
Nerve Plant (Fittonia) questions, answered straight.
Is nerve plant (fittonia) safe for kids and pets?
Nerve Plant (Fittonia) is commonly eaten and isn't considered toxic, but "commonly eaten" isn't a guarantee for any particular person or animal — allergies, quantity, and which part you eat all matter. One caveat on this one: Safe for pets. Never eat a plant you haven't positively identified, and check with a vet before letting pets or livestock graze anything new.
How do you propagate nerve plant (fittonia)?
Stem/leaf cuttings, division, or pups.
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Elsewhere
Where nerve plant (fittonia) sits in the library.
Monstera
Golden Pothos
Snake Plant
Heartleaf Philodendron