Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | |||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Fittonia are evergreen perennials with rooting stems forming mats of opposite, attractively coloured or veined leaves, and insignificant white flowers seldom seen in cultivation
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors, in shallow containers in loamless, peat free potting compost. Keep soil just moist, as waterlogging may cause plants to rot. Position in indirect or filtered light, out of hot sun, and maintain high humidity. See Fittonia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by softwood stem tip cuttings in spring, by division or by layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.