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Nerve Plant
IntermediateFittonia verschaffeltii
Beautiful compact plant with white or pink net-like veins. Perfect for terrariums and bottle gardens. Wilts quickly when dry but recovers with watering.
About
Fittonia verschaffeltii, the nerve plant, is a perennial in the family Acanthaceae native to the rainforests of South America (the Andes, including Peru). It is a delicate, small foliage plant whose dark green leaves are vividly etched with fine white, pink or red veins. Low-growing at about 10-20 cm, it spreads horizontally. Because it craves high humidity, it is ideal for terrariums, bottle gardens and glass containers. It is extremely intolerant of drought - the whole plant wilts dramatically as soon as the soil dries - but revives quickly once watered. Direct sun scorches the leaves, so grow it in bright indirect light to partial shade. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist in dry indoor air. It is cold-sensitive, so watch the minimum temperature in winter.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Nerve Plant
The Nerve Plant lives 5-10 years.
Size of the Nerve Plant
The Nerve Plant grows to 10-20cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Nerve Plant
The ideal temperature for the Nerve Plant is 18〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 60〜80%.
Basic Info
Origin
Rainforests of South America (the Andes, Peru)
Lifespan
5-10 years
Size
10-20cm
Temperature
18〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Watering & Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer monthly spring-fall
Growing Tips
Placement
Bright shade. Direct sun causes leaf burn
Watering
Never let dry out. Keep consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers high humidity. Terrarium environment ideal
Temperature & Overwintering
Ideal range is 18-28°C and it is cold-sensitive. Watch the winter minimum, keep it in a warm room and mist to hold humidity above 60%.
Soil & Repotting
Use a mix that holds moisture yet drains, and keep it evenly moist. It spreads low and wide, so shallow pots and glass containers suit it.
Fertilizer
Feed liquid fertilizer once a month from spring to autumn. Dilute it for this small plant and stop feeding in winter.
Nerve Plant FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Nerve Plant?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Nerve Plant?
The ideal temperature for Nerve Plant is 18〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Nerve Plant?
The average lifespan of Nerve Plant is 5-10 years. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Nerve Plant get?
The mature size of Nerve Plant is 10-20cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Nerve Plant?
Nerve Plant: watering & fertilizer — Liquid fertilizer monthly spring-fall. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Nerve Plant?
The price of Nerve Plant varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Growing Specifications
- USDA Zone
- 11–12
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder - Fittonia albivenis
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Foliage plant. Confirmed by document review to be non-applicable to CITES Appendix (Flora), designated invasive species, or designated animals (the genus does not appear in the CITES flora section; Dracaena spp. listings in CITES refer to a reptile genus of the same name; the plant Dracaena is not applicable).
Sources: CITES Appendices I/II/III (flora section, grepped via dbca mirror) / CITES Appendices (official) / Ministry of the Environment List of Specified Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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