Flair and flora

Transform your indoor spaces into vibrant havens of beauty with fittonia, adding colourful trails and charm to every corner . . .

For a pop of colour in the office, house or even the bathroom, nothing compares to Nerve Plants (Fittonia spp.) These low-growing, trailing wonders come in a variety of colours from pink and green with white veins or the mesmerising green with pink veins. They are great for growing in pots, shaded areas of the garden or in terrariums, where they shine like the little gems they are.

How to grow fittonia in a pot

Choose a spot in the garden or indoors, that is well-lit but away from direct sunlight.

Fill the chosen planter with quality potting mix, such as Yates Thrive Indoor Plants Potting Mix.

Remove the plant from the container, and gently tease the roots.

Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Water regularly to keep the soil lightly moist. Fittonias like humidity and will enjoy having their foliage misted with water during hot dry weather.

Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Indoor Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow fittonia in a garden

Choose a well-drained, shaded spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by digging in some Yates Thrive Natural Blood and Bone with Seaweed.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant’s root zone. This helps keep water where it’s needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant is established.

Mulch lightly with organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw and water in well.

Water once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions to keep the soil lightly moist.

Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tip

Nerve Plants can be easily propagated through division or by soft tip cuttings.

Trim back long or leggy plants to create a bushier specimen.

Nerve Plants will grow very happily in quite small pots, including self-contained terrariums, low bowls and dish planters.

These plants don’t like having wet feet. Avoid having them sit in wet soils for long periods as root rot can occur. —  Courtesy of Yates