About
An evergreen perennial forming a mat of rooting stems to 15cm tall, bearing broadly elliptic leaves to 10cm long, deep olive-green with pink veins. Insignificant, white flowers are rarely produced.
About the genus
Fittonia are evergreen perennials with rooting stems forming mats of opposite, attractively coloured or veined leaves, and insignificant white flowers seldom seen in cultivation
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toPeru
Care notes
CultivationGrow indoors in potting compost in indirect light and high humidity. When in growth water moderately, keeping just moist and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep barely moist in winter. See Fittonia for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by tip cuttings with 3 or 4 pairs of leaves in spring or by layering in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds