Fittonia (Red, Pink and Green/White): Bright, Compact and Perfect for Humid Spaces

Fittonias, also known as Nerve Plants, are loved for their colourful veined leaves and their compact, lush growth. They come in striking colours ranging from deep red to bright pink to crisp white, making them ideal for adding colour to indoor plant displays, terrariums and small spaces.

This guide covers appearance, care, indoor/outdoor suitability, reptile safety, terrarium use (plant-only) and air-purifying qualities.

What They Look Like

Fittonias stay naturally small and dense, forming a soft, low-growing mat of leaves. Their colours vary by variety:

Fittonia Red - Deep green leaves with bold red veins.

Fittonia Pink - Soft green leaves with bright or pale pink veining.

Fittonia White (or Green/White) - Green leaves with clear white veins, giving a fresh, crisp look.

All varieties have a delicate, textured appearance and bring colour without needing flowers.

Indoor or Outdoor Plant

Indoors

Fittonias are excellent indoor plants. They thrive in bright, indirect light, high humidity and consistently moist soil. They are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, plant shelves and humid areas of the home.

Outdoors

Outdoors they are only suitable for warm, frost-free climates. They need shade or deep shade, as direct sunlight burns their leaves. In warm climates they can be used as groundcover in sheltered, humid areas, but they are primarily grown indoors.

Reptile Safety

Fittonias are non-toxic and safe to use around reptiles. They can be included in enclosures without risk to the animals, making them a good choice for vivariums with reptiles.

Terrarium Use (Plant-Only)

Fittonias are one of the best plants for plant-only terrariums.

They perform very well in:

• closed terrariums

• high-humidity jars

• paludariums

• open terrariums with stable moisture

Why they work so well:

• They love humidity

• They tolerate lower light

• They stay small and compact

• They create a vibrant, colourful carpet

Fittonias are ideal when you want colour and texture in a humid terrarium. They do not thrive in dry, open containers or bright, direct light.

Air Purifying

Fittonias offer mild air-purifying benefits. They don’t filter as much as larger plants, but they help improve overall air freshness and humidity levels in small indoor spaces.

Care Guide

Light

Bright, indirect light is best. Fittonias also tolerate medium to low light but will grow slower. Avoid direct sun.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Fittonias wilt dramatically when thirsty, but they bounce back quickly after watering. Consistency is key.

Humidity

High humidity is essential. They thrive in terrariums, bathrooms or grouped with other plants.

Temperature

Warm, stable temperatures suit them best. Avoid cold drafts, heaters and air conditioners.

Soil

Use a well-draining mix that retains moisture. A peat-based or cocopeat blend with perlite is ideal.

Fertiliser

Feed lightly every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Fittonias are sensitive to strong fertilisers, so dilute more than usual.

Common Issues

• Wilting: Usually underwatering. Watering revives them quickly.

• Crispy leaves: Air is too dry or soil is too dry.

• Burnt edges: Too much light or direct sunlight.

• Slow growth: Insufficient light or low humidity.

Why People Love Them

Fittonias add instant colour, texture and life to small spaces. They are perfect for terrariums, shelves, office desks and humid rooms. Their compact size and striking colours make them visually satisfying and easy to style in a variety of indoor spaces.