Fittonia gigantea
Fittonia gigantea
Giant Nerve Plant
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Taxonomy
Family Acanthaceae · Genus Fittonia
Description
Fittonia gigantea is the larger, lusher cousin of the classic nerve plant. With boldly veined leaves and a spreading habit, it thrives in warm, humid spots with gentle, indirect light—perfect for terrariums or as a soft groundcover in tropical gardens.
Common Names
Giant Nerve PlantGiant FittoniaGiant Mosaic PlantMosaic Plant
Context
nativeRegion
Western Amazon Basin rainforests (notably Peru and Ecuador)
usdaZones
11–12 (outdoors in frost-free, shaded, humid locations)
companionPlants
Calathea (Goeppertia), Maranta, Pilea, Peperomia, Selaginella, Ferns (e.g., Nephrolepis)
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental; popular in terrariums, vivariums, and as a tropical shade groundcover or indoor foliage accent.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light to medium shade; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. Tolerates low light but may grow leggier.
WateringKeep evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels slightly dry. Sensitive to drought; avoid letting it fully dry out.
SoilRich, airy mix that retains moisture yet drains well: peat/coir + perlite + fine bark (pH ~5.5–6.5).
FertilizerFeed at 1/4–1/2 strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; pause in winter.
HumidityHigh humidity (60–90%) preferred; excellent for terrariums. Mist, group plants, or use a humidifier if air is dry.
TemperatureWarm conditions, 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts; do not let drop below ~60°F (16°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLow, creeping to softly mounding subshrub; can trail over pot edges and fill in as a groundcover.
Mature Size12–18 in tall (30–45 cm) and 18–24 in wide (45–60 cm) with age and good humidity.
Growth RateModerate; faster in warm, humid conditions.
BloomingOccasional short spikes of small whitish to greenish flowers, typically spring–summer; not showy and often pinched off.
DormancyEvergreen; no true dormancy, but growth slows in cooler, darker winter months.
Propagation
MethodsStem tip cuttings, Division, Seed (rare)
DifficultyEasy to moderate (maintain high humidity for best success).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch stem tips regularly to encourage bushiness. Remove flower spikes to direct energy to foliage. Trim leggy growth.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring when rootbound or soil compacts. Use a shallow, wide pot to accommodate spreading habit.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for mealybugs, aphids (on flower spikes), spider mites, and fungus gnats. Overwatering can cause root rot; stagnant air may lead to botrytis.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to pets and people.
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