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Fittonia Care

The Fittonia boasts of oval leaves with white, silver, pink, or red veins, making it an eye-catching, pet safe addition to your home or office. While this plant loves moisture and water, Fittonia care is not too difficult, making it a beginner friendly shrub. Also, those striking leaves do their fair share of contributing to a healthy environment, as this is one of the best air purifying plants. Plus, its short stature and love of humidity means that it pairs well with groupings of other plants that enjoy moisture.

How to care for your Fittonia

Use these instructions to care for a Fittonia. This guide will tell you how to water a Fittonia; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Fittonia

LIGHT

The Fittonia does not care for direct sunlight since it might cause its leaves to burn if impacted by the bright afternoon sun. Rather, you’ll need to place your plant where it can receive bright, indirect sun, like near a north-facing window for instance. If you need to supplement with a grow light, make sure it doesn’t shine on the leaves directly.

WATER

Fittonia care also consists of watering regularly without allowing for standing water to surround the plant. While watering helps prevent drooping leaves, too much of a good thing turns them yellow. So when in doubt, check the soil’s dryness or use a moisture meter.

TEMPERATURE

Mild temperatures, like 70℉, work best for your Fittonia. Anything slightly higher or lower is tolerable, but you still need to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Another tip to remember is that the fittonia will thrive in restrooms, especially where steam is present, and in terrariums.

HUMIDITY

Regular misting also makes up part of your Fittonia care routine. This plant also loves humidifiers and pebble trays. If you happen to group this plant with others, it’ll thrive best among other moisture-loving varieties. 

FOOD

For feeding your Fittonia, you’ll need a weak dose of a 5-5-5 fertilizer diluted at half strength in water.  Also remember that you’ll only need to fertilize on a weekly basis during the plant’s active season. 

TOXICITY

The Fittonia is pet safe and people-friendly.

ADDITIONAL CARE

The creeping stems of Fittonia will naturally root into surrounding soil in the pot. In the spring, these rooted areas can be carefully cut out and potted separately to grow your collection.

Grow Beyond Expectations

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What's a Fittonia?

Botanical Classification: Fittonia albivenis

ABOUT

Fittonia are compact plants with striking patterned foliage. Fittonia are fairly easy to care for–they can tolerate a range of lighting conditions and like to be kept moist. They prefer humid environments and will benefit from regular misting. If you are a plant parent that loves to tend to your plants often, this is the plant for you. 

Fittonia originate in South America, mostly found in Peru. They grow in tropical rainforests as ground cover under canopies of trees. Because of this, they stay relatively small and prefer indirect light. They can be pruned to stay small if you prefer not to repot it into a larger pot.

FUN FACT

When your Fittonia is thirsty, it will tell you! Don’t be alarmed if you look over to see you Fittonia completely limp and wilted. Give it a good drink and it should perk up in no time.

Pictured Left: Fittonia

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