Fittonia verschaffeltii – White (5cm Pot) Care Guide

Fittonia verschaffeltii – White, commonly known as the White Nerve Plant, is an eye-catching plant known for its intricate white veins that contrast beautifully against its green leaves. It’s often used in terrariums, aquascapes, or as a decorative houseplant. Here’s a care guide to help you keep this stunning plant healthy and thriving:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for small to medium aquariums or terrariums. For aquariums, a 10-gallon tank or larger works well, but it can also be kept in smaller tanks.
• Lighting: Moderate to bright; Fittonia thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its vibrant white veins.
• Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F); it thrives in warm, tropical conditions.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is best.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH).
• Substrate: Prefers a nutrient-rich, well-draining substrate, such as aquarium soil or terrarium mixes. It can also do well in moisture-retaining substrates.
• Growth Rate: Moderate; it grows steadily but doesn’t spread aggressively, making it suitable for smaller aquascapes or as an accent plant in a larger setup.
• CO2 Requirement: Optional; while CO2 supplementation isn’t necessary, it can support healthier growth and more vibrant coloration.

Key Tips

• Pruning: Prune to remove leggy or damaged growth. Trimming helps the plant remain compact and encourages the production of new shoots.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with micronutrients, especially iron, to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Apply it every 1-2 weeks, particularly during the growing season.
• Water Flow: Prefers low to moderate water flow. Avoid strong currents, as they can damage the delicate leaves.
• Humidity: This plant thrives in a humid environment, so it’s ideal for terrariums or aquariums with high humidity.
• Placement: Best placed in the foreground or midground of aquascapes. It also works well in small pots or decorative planters as an accent plant.
• Propagation: Fittonia can be propagated by taking stem cuttings with a few leaves and placing them in a moist environment until they develop roots. Once rooted, you can plant the cuttings back into the substrate.

Additional Notes:

• Leaf Care: The leaves are quite delicate, so be careful when handling the plant. Gently clean the leaves with a soft cloth if they become dusty.
• Watering: Keep the substrate consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It’s crucial not to let the plant dry out for extended periods, as Fittonia can wilt quickly if it’s not watered properly.

Fittonia verschaffeltii – White is a stunning, low-maintenance plant that thrives in humid, warm environments. It’s perfect for aquascaping or creating a lush terrarium and will reward you with its beautiful white-veined foliage. By providing it with the right care, you’ll be able to enjoy its striking appearance in your home or aquarium.