Nerve Plant (Fittonia Albivenis) - Useful Growing Tips

Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! In this video I'm going to be talking about the nerve plant or Fittonia Albivenis. This is a really easy plant to take care of and it's great for people who are just starting out with plants. I'm going to show you how to propagate them from cuttings, as well as how to water and fertilize them so that they stay healthy. Stay tuned!

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Nerve Plant (Fittonia Albivenis) - Useful Growing Tips

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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
0:58 - Light and Location
1:27 - Watering
1:48 - Temperature
2:06 - Humidity
2:26 - Fertilization
2:36 - Propagation
3:22 - Potting and Repotting
4:02 - Toxicity and Common Pests
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Summary
The Nerve plant is a species of flowering perennial. It originated from South America but can now be found worldwide. The leaves are usually dark green with starkly contrasting white or red veins, growing up to 4 inches long. While the plant also produces flowers, it rarely happens indoors. And when it does, gardeners usually pinch off the newly forming buds since they’re insignificant and only detract from the beauty of the leaves.

1. Light and Location
The nerve plant does not do well in direct sun. Therefore, plant it in a spot where it will not receive direct sunlight at any point during the day. While windowsills can work, make absolutely sure that they don’t get direct sunlight. Sunburn is a genuine concern. Shady spots like in a central location in a living room do pretty well.

2. Watering
Watering this plant is a balancing act. Give moderate water from spring to autumn but keep the soil barely moist in winter. Don’t let it dry out, and don’t let the water stagnate. The plant will completely wilt and appear to be dead if under-watered, but give it water, and it will revive itself. The recommended watering schedule is two times a week.

3. Temperature
The nerve plant is a tropical perennial that needs warm temperatures to survive. It needs protection from cold weather to grow well and remain healthy. So keeping it in a warm room or greenhouse is best for its health. Optimal temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Humidity
Since it’s native to tropical forests, it needs high humidity environments to survive. Maintaining a proper humidity level around this plant is why caring for this plant is considered problematic. You can increase the humidity by placing it next to a humidifier.

5. Fertilization
Nerve Plant does not require large amounts of fertilizers but may benefit from applications of a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every month or so during active growth.

6. Propagation
Stem cuttings are a simple and easy means of propagating nerve plants. Taken the cutting in late spring or early summer, at the same time you repot the plant. It’s essential to use a sharp knife that’s sterile to remove a section of stem with at least two leaves attached. Also, make sure that the cut is made directly below a node, where the new roots will form. You can place cuttings directly into moist soil. Implant the cutting's base into a pot with a peat-based soil mixture.

7. Potting and Repotting
Potting nerve plants is pretty straightforward. Any standard potting mix will do, provided it maintains a balance of draining well and retaining a little bit of moisture. Adding in more organic matter also helps. If the plant is growing in too small a pot, it’s time to repot it. This allows the roots to grow, giving them more opportunities to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, keeping them happy and healthy. To do this, dig around the pot with a knife to help loosen the soil. Then pull on the root ball. It should come right out.

8. Toxicity and Common Pests
This plant is Non-Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The most common pests of the nerve plant are aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you see signs that your plant is infected, use a mild strength insecticide immediately. Also, try rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; it often works wonders.
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[mrinalinivadana]

Great and to the point information.Thanks a lot.Keep us informed with many more such videos please

[LilacMess]

Thanks for this! I just got a small one at Walmart & repotted it when I got home. It’s been 3 days, so I guess not long enough to know anything, but it appears to be wilting.

[baoan]

Chào bạn...cây cảnh nhà bạn rất đẹp. Tặng bạn 1 abonné. Chúc bạn và gia dinh nhieu suc khoe va binh an