Garden Care Guide

Nerve Plant Care

Fittonia albivenis

A tropical, spreading plant known for its leaves with colorful veins. Its most important need is high humidity, so it is ideal for terrariums or bathrooms. It should be protected from direct sunlight and dry air.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 10 °C / 50 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently and lightly moist; never let it dry out completely.
  • General care: The plant is in dormancy; to protect it from the drying effect of central heating, mist frequently or use a humidity tray.
  • Pests & diseases: Dry leaf tips are a sign of low humidity.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
February
  • Watering: As in January.
  • General care: It is getting ready to wake; continue misting its leaves with water.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the leaf bases for mealybugs.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
March
  • Watering: Increase watering as growth begins.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: For a bushier look, pinch off the shoot tips.
  • General care: It is a suitable time for repotting.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the new shoots for aphids.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every two weeks.
  • Pruning: Pruning can continue.
  • Plant protection: If you see aphids, take action with soapy water made with Aleppo soap.
  • General care: Rapid growth period.
  • Pests & diseases: Leaf drop or wilting is usually a water problem.
May
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • Plant protection: Check the undersides of the leaves for spider mites.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: Spider mites love dry air.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue regular fertilizing.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • Plant protection: Check regularly for pests.
  • General care: This is the most active growth period; protect from direct sunlight.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for leaf scorch.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • Plant protection: Watch out for spider mites and mealybugs.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Sudden shriveling of the leaves is a thirst alarm; water immediately.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • General care: Growth continues.
September
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Reduce to once a month.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • General care: Acclimate it to the place where it will spend the winter.
  • Pests & diseases: Be alert for pests at the change of season.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: At the end of the month, stop fertilizing completely.
  • General care: It prepares for winter dormancy.
November
  • Watering: Water just enough to keep the soil lightly moist.
  • General care: Dormancy begins; keep humidity high to protect against the drying effect of central heating.
  • Pests & diseases: The risk of spider mites increases because of the dry air.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
December
  • Watering: As in November.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Pests & diseases: General observation is sufficient.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.

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