Thursday 11 June 2009

GARDENING: NOT SO EASY CARE INDOOR PLANTS – FITTONIA VERSCHAFFELTII OR NERVE PLANT


Fittonia is a garden plant of the Acanthaceae family, notable for its dark green foliage. It is commonly called the "Nerve Plant" or "Mosaic Plant". It is originally from Peru.

There are currently 15 known species of Fittonia. It is a short plant with lush green leaves with accented veins of white to deep pink and have a short fuzz covering its stems. Small buds may appear after time where the stem splits into leaves. Flowers are small, with white to off-white in colour. This plant is best kept in a moist area with dapple sunlight and temperatures above 13°C.


The Fittonia is slightly harder to grow so it is best bought well established and cared for. I however have not found this plant to be needy as most publications have asserted. The Fittonia makes a great indoor plant as well as a groundcover. The plant however must be watered regularly; without water for a few days, this plant is known to "faint" but is easily revived with a quick watering and immersion in a bowl of water.

The Fittonia is one of my favourite indoor plants. I just love the foliage.

QUICK GUIDE

 Fittonia is an evergreen creeping perennial that is noted for its attractive foliage.
 Easily grown in a peaty or soil-based potting mixture.
 Fittonia grows best in bright indirect light or dappled part sun. Avoid direct sun.
 It prefers high humidity so regular spraying of the foliage helps.
 Water regularly but moderately, with only slightly reduced watering from spring to late winter. Yellowing of leaves may indicate over watering. Withering of leaves may indicate the need for increased humidity.
 Pinch off ends of growing stems to shape plants and to promote denser foliage. Many growers also pinch off any flowers buds that may appear. Because of their need for high humidity, they thrive in terrariums and bottle gardens.
 Propagation is by tip cuttings, stem layering and division – I usually put the tips in water and allow roots to grow before transferring into potting mix.

Source: Top Tropicals and Wikipedia

5 comments:

Zue Murphy said...

This plant is very tender and could not survive long in my humid house. But I like the green foliage.

MamaFaMi said...

Nowadays, it's very warm in Malaysia. And now, with the haze everywhere, my plants outside, semua dah turn yellow. It's either the weather or me yang ada tangan panas! Hahahaha....

How are you V? Hope all are well that side! Take care!

ummi said...

Hai Vin, how are you...I've quite bz lately..how nice plant you have there..so green..Tapi betul kata Mamafami, kat Malaysia now is getting hot n hot laaa...my plants pun turn yellow daa..hehe

ummi said...

Opps...slip my fingers..I mean, I've been quite bz lately..ngeee

VG said...

Hi Zue, me too!

Hi MamaFami, my mum also says that it is very panas in Malaysia now and she has to water her plants twice a day. So I am sure that it is not your hands that are panans...blame the weather, I say.

I am still not 100% sembuh yet MamaFami....getting there.Thank you for inquiring. Hope you and the family are well.

Hi Kak Ummi, how are you my dear? I miss you, you know. When I feel better, I will come over to your house and ciplak more recipes, okay. Hope you and family are keeping well....muah...