I have a Fittonia 'Frankie' and I have recently noticed that its roots are growing out of the bottom holes of the plastic pot it is in (the plastic pot sets down in another decorative pot). Can I cut these roots back? I noticed they were sitting down in water that had drained through to the bottom of the decorative pot. Can't this cause root rot? I do not really want to repot in a bigger pot because I am happy with the size the Fittonia is now. It is currently in what I think is a 4-inch planter, although it might be a 6 inch.
It is root bound. It either needs to be repotted or it needs its roots trimmed. To trim the roots, take off about 1/2" to 1" of the rootball all the way around and the plant back in the pot.
What kind of soil is optimal for the Fittonia nerve plant? I am a 9th grade student, and I am building a self-sustaining ecosystem with a partner. We want to use the nerve plant in our ecosystem and we would like to know what type of soil is the best option for this plant in this scenario.
Fittonia like a well draining soil so a good quality, sterile potting mix is best for this plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/nerve-plant/growing-nerve-plants.htm
Here is a link about potting mixes.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
I bought a small fittonia red vein in a small pot. My question is, should I repot it into a bigger pot for growing?
You may move your new plant to 1 size larger pot. If it is in a 3" pot, find a 4" pot.
Use a good quality potting mix. The key is well draining soil.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/nerve-plant/growing-nerve-plants.htm
I am trying to figure out what to do with this plant to make it healthier.....but I am not even sure what it is. The leaves are very dry to the touch. Can you help me?????
This is a Fittonia.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/nerve-plant/growing-nerve-plants.htm
I would like to know the name of this plant. In all my years of gardening both inside and out, I have never seen anything like this. I received it in a "mixed" planter as a gift. It's thriving and now it's pine cone like stems are "spitting" little yellow flowers out and about. Very strange and unique. Thank you for your help.
I have a small apartment which has a south-facing sliding glass door next to the patio. This is the best place that gets some bright indirect sunlight everyday. But as the weather gets chilly during evening, I prefer to move my houseplants (Fittonia juanita, mini phalaenopsis, song of India & money plant) away from the window and in front of the open kitchen which has bright artificial light right on top for the rest of the day. But I fear that my plants may not be very happy with the constant change of place everyday. Especially my Fittonia Juanita whose leaves have started drooping drastically (also because of my slight overwatering). Am I thinking right?
I believe like you that plants are happiest when in a fixed placement as much as possible, as long as the conditions are favorable. But I don't have any science on the issue to refer to.
If it gets too cold near the glass door then you may have no choice. They will tolerate an indoor move better than a freeze.
Do fittonias like to be root bound? I know some plants do, and mine seemed a little happier when it was.
They don't, necessarily, like to be rootbound. They don't like to move up to too large of a container too fast, though.
Potting them up too large too fast will often result in overwatering, which these will not handle. The new container should only be one or two inches larger than the original to avoid overwatering issues.
Make sure to let any extra water out of the container after watering, and only water once the soil is completely dry down to about 2 inches. This will help keep the plant happy in the future.
These articles will offer some useful information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/nerve-plant/growing-nerve-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/nerve-plant/fixing-a-wilted-fittonia-plant.htm