How to maintain a Fittonia: Complete Guide
The Fittonia, also known as mosaic plant, is part of'a fascinating family of tropical plants that stands out for its ribbed leaves with striking patterns.
Originating tropical forests of'South america, including Peru, the Fittonia account several varieties, each with contrasting rib leaves, from white to bright pink, through red.
This plant is not only visually attractive, but it is also relatively easy to cultivate indoors, Provided to respect its specific needs in light, moisture and watering.
Whether you are a pantry or an experienced gardener, the Fittonia add a touch of bright color n'importing which space, while remaining compact and easy to manage.
In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary advice to maintain your Fittonia in full-health, what'it is'act of light, of the'watering, from'moisture, or from repotting.
Features
- Common name: Fittonia, mosaic plant
- Scientific name: Fittonia albivenis
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Origin: Tropical forests'South america
- Nickname: Nervous plant, mosaic plant
- Color of the sheet: Green with white ribs, roses or red
- Flowering period: Rarely indoors
- Ideal temperature: 18-24 ° C
- Hygrometry: High (60% or more)
1. Exposure to light: Where to place your Fittonia ?
The Fittonia prefer a indirect and subdued light. An exhibition too direct to the sun can burn its delicate leaves, while'insufficient light can attenuate the bright colors of its ribs.
Place your plant in a bright place but at the'direct sunlide, as close to'a north window oriented or at the'east, where she will receive a soft light in the morning.
This plant can also behave well under artificial lighting, which makes it ideal for darker offices or parts.
2. Watering: Find the right balance
THE'watering is a crucial aspect of the'maintenance of the Fittonia, because this plant loves the'moisture but do not tolerate the'excess of'water.
As a general rule, it is better to'wait until the dry substrate between the watering.
Fittonia is known for quickly face its leaves when'she lack of'water, a clear signal that'it's time to'water. Once hydrated, the plant retrieves quickly, straightening his leaves in a few hours.
What is the right time to water ?
Insert your finger into the ground to about 1 to 2 cm deep. If the soil is dry at this depth, it's time d'water. If the soil is still wet, wait a day or two before'water again.
Be careful not to leave the plant'sit in the'stagnant water because it can cause the root rot and damage the plant.
3. Temperature and humidity: create an optimal environment
The Fittonia is a tropical plant that prefers conditions of heat and'high humidity.
Hold an ambient temperature between 18 ° C and 24 ° C to ensure optimal growth. This plant loves a high humidity, ideally around 60% or more, which imitates its natural habitat.
To increase the'moisture, especially in summer, you can place your Fittonia on a tray filled with pebbles and d'water, use a humidifier, or spray it with'water at room temperature.
TheFittoniaWill also appreciate d'Be in aterrarium.
4. Fertilization: Feed your Fittonia
To encourage a vigorous growth and brilliant leaves, fertilize your Fittonia once every 15 days during the growing season (spring and summer).
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
In the fall and winter, reduce the frequency of fertilizations, because the growth of the plant slows down naturally during this period.
We recommend our Green plant fertilizers, , simple'use, practice and extremely effective.
5. Reprange: When and how to do it ?
The Fittonia no'do not need'Be frequently wharled. In general, a repotation every 1 to 2 years is enough.
If you notice that the roots start out of drainage holes or that growth seems stagnant despite appropriate care, it may be time to repot.
Choose a bored pot, preferably transparent, slightly larger than the previous one and use a well-draining soil.
The transparent pot will allow you to'observeThe'évolution du système racinaire and to monitor easily l'humidity of the substrate, thus helping to Avoid excess d'water or, on the contrary, periods of drought too long ..
We advise you for repotting, a mixture composed of terreau enriched of'Essential elements and perlite, to remember the'moisture while allowing good drainage.
Our "Universal substrate "Will perfectly meet the requirements of Fittonia. Facilitate your life and enjoy'a custom mix that will promote healthy and sustainable growth.
6. Size and maintenance : Keep your plant fit
To encourage a denser growth and preventing the plant from becoming too long or sparse, you can prune your Fittonia.
Simply cut the stems too long above'one node (where leaves are fixed to the stem).
This operation will also help maintain a compact shape.
How to cut a Fittonia: Step by Step Guide for successful cuttings.
The Fittonia is propagates very easily through standing cuttings.
Choose a healthy rod with at least two nodes.
Cut under a node and place the cutting in the'water or directly in a suitable soil as our "Universal substrate"or in sphagnum moss.
Sphagnum is an ideal substrate to make the cuttings go because she keeps the'humidity and allows a excellent oxygenation which promotes the growth of the first roots.
We then advise you, or, to do roar the water cutting, (remember to change the'water about 1 time a week) or sphagnosed.
Keep the cutout in a place hot with a indirect light up'That roots grow, usually in a few weeks.
Once the cuttings have carried well, plant them in a hole, of preference in terracotta, with a suitable substrate.
7. Common problems and solutions
Like any plant, the Fittonia may meet some problems.
If you notice wilt leaves, this may be due to a lack of'water or too low moisture. The brown leaves may indicate excessive watering or too dry air.
Make sure to follow the advice of'watering and light mentioned above to avoid these problems.
Council'expert: The Fittonia is a plant robust but sensitive to mealybugs and mites, especially if the'moisture is low.
Inspect regularly to prevent possible signs of'infestation.
In case of'infestation, treat with natural and biological methods as the black soap.
Find on the product sheet of our black soap for plantsOur biological recipe to fight against pests.
For more'effectiveness, we advise you to'apply the solution with our pair of cleaning gloves for microfiber plants
It will allow youof'Smoothly eliminate unwanted.
If you face a invasion of flying harmful like the potting fly or the thrips etc, our filled yellow trapsAre a solution very effective to fight them.
Conclusion
The Fittonia is a wonderful plant that, with a little care and'attention, can brighten N'any living space.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your plant remains healthy and continues to delight you with its colorful and elegant leaves.
NO'do not forget that each plant is unique, so observe yours regularly and adjust your care accordingly.
Here are our expert advice:
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Privilégiez a location at the'direct sunlide to preserve the'intensity of the colors of the leaves.
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Sprinkle when the soil is slightly dry surface.
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Hold a high humidity by focusing on a location in a terrarium.
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Use a well-draining potting soil to avoid'excess of'water.
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Propagate by cutting for multiply your collection or share with friends.
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Inspect regularly the leaves to detect any sign of harmful.
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Clean the leaves for promote a good photosynthesis.