Fittonia ‘Anne White’

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing 

Fittonia ‘Anne White’, also known as the White Nerve Plant, is a popular tropical houseplant admired for its distinctive foliage patterned with crisp white veins. Compact, colourful, and elegant, this plant adds charm to tabletops, terrariums, and shaded corners of indoor spaces. Being a rainforest-floor species from Peru, Fittonia ‘Anne White’ thrives in moist, warm, and humid environments. Although this plant has a reputation for being sensitive, proper care makes it a reliable and rewarding addition to your plant collection. Below is a detailed 600-word guide to help you grow a healthy Fittonia ‘Anne White’.

Fittonia ‘Anne White’ – Complete Care Guide :

Light Requirements

Fittonia prefers low to medium indirect light, similar to what it would receive on the forest floor under dense tropical canopies. Place it in a room with plenty of natural light but away from direct sunlight. Direct harsh sun can scorch the leaves, bleach the white veins, and cause wilting. Ideal placement includes north-facing windows, shaded east-facing windowsills, or bright rooms with filtered light. Under low light, the plant may stretch slightly, but its colours will remain vibrant. If using artificial lights, position the plant under medium-strength grow lights for 8–10 hours a day.

Watering

Watering is the most crucial part of Fittonia care. Fittonia ‘Anne White’ loves consistently moist soil, but it is extremely sensitive to both underwatering and overwatering. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1–2 cm of soil begins to dry. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as the plant will quickly wilt or collapse. The good news is that a dehydrated Fittonia usually bounces back within a few hours after watering. However, repeated dehydration weakens the plant. On the other hand, soggy soil can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has proper drainage and remove excess water from the saucer after watering.

Humidity

Fittonias thrive in high humidity levels of 60–90%, making them perfect candidates for terrariums, bathrooms, pebble trays, and humidifier-supported corners. Low humidity can cause leaf edges to brown, leaf curling, and sudden wilting. If you live in a dry environment, a small room humidifier near the plant works wonders. Grouping plants together also helps maintain a micro-humid environment. Avoid misting directly if the room temperature is low, as lingering moisture can cause fungal spots.

Temperature

Fittonia ‘Anne White’ grows well in temperatures between 18–26°C. Protect it from cold drafts, sudden temperature drops, or AC vents. Temperatures below 15°C may shock the plant, slow down growth, and lead to leaf drop. During summer, ensure the plant is not exposed to hot, direct afternoon sunlight, which can dehydrate and damage the foliage quickly.

Soil

A slightly moist, well-draining soil mix is ideal. Use a light, airy potting mix made of:

• 50% cocopeat or peat moss

• 25% perlite

• 15% compost or worm castings

• 10% coco chips or fine bark

This mix holds moisture well but doesn’t allow water to stagnate. Fittonias have shallow root systems, so they do well in wider, shallow pots.

Fertilisation

Feed the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) once every 3–4 weeks during the growing season (February to October). Fittonias are sensitive to strong fertilizers, so always dilute to half strength. Avoid fertilising during winter when growth naturally slows. Organic fertilisers like seaweed extract or very mild compost teas are also excellent choices.

Pruning & Maintenance

Fittonia ‘Anne White’ is naturally bushy but may grow leggy if light is low. Regularly pinch back the growing tips to encourage compact, fuller growth. Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant hygiene. You may occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance the foliage’s appearance.

Propagation

Fittonia is very easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem with at least 2–3 nodes, cut below a node, and root it in water or moist soil. Roots usually develop within 1–2 weeks. Transplant the cutting once the roots grow stronger.

Pests & Common Issues

Spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats may occasionally attack Fittonias. Maintain humidity, ensure airflow, and check the underside of leaves regularly. Treat pests with neem oil or natural insecticidal sprays. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while wilting signals underwatering or low humidity.