Network News ‘Media’ is a low-growing, creeping nerve plant with smooth, ovate leaves that are awash in red coloring. Unlike most nerve plants, the red veining on ‘Media’ is bleeding into the rest of the leaves, giving the appearance of a plant that is more red than green. Like other Fittonias, ‘Media’ loves bright light and humidity.
Adaptable As Houseplant
Foliage Interest
Harmful To:
Pets
CHARACTERISTICS
Plant Type:
Houseplant
Height:
4 - 8 Inches10cm - 20cm
Foliage Colors:
Green
Red
Foliage Shade:
Green leaves with red veins
Habit:
Spreading
Container Role:
Spiller
PLANT NEEDS
Light Requirement:
High
Low
Medium
Low- No direct sun, not near a window.Medium- Medium bright indirect light in the AM or PM, typically from an east or west window.High- Bright direct or indirect light for much of the day, typically from a south window.
Maintenance Category:
Moderate
Preferred Temperature:
60 - 85 °F
Water Category:
Average
Humidity Preference:
High
Container Soil Type:
Indoor Potting Mix
Needs Good Drainage
Uses:
Bright Spaces
Desktops
Humid Spaces
North Facing Windows
Uses Notes:
Not for human or animal consumption.
Maintenance Notes:
For optimal performance, keep your Nerve Plant at 60-85°F (15-29°C).
Nerve Plants perform best in bright indirect light, such as within a few feet of a north or east facing window. Avoid placing them next to a window that gets direct sunlight, unless it is early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Direct midday sun can cause burnt leaf edges. If you notice your Nerve Plant is getting leggy, it is stretching out for more light, and should be moved to a brighter location. Your Nerve Plant may benefit from being rotated periodically, to ensure even distribution of light and even growth. Nerve Plants can survive in lower light conditions, however, they will not flourish & flush out new growth.
Nerve Plants are aficionados of high humidity. To keep humidity at around 60% or higher, you may need to position your Nerve Plant near a humidifier or under glass. Placing it on a pebble tray, misting it regularly, or surrounding it with other plants may also help to increase its humidity.
Nerve Plants prefer to have moist, but not soggy soil. As such, water when the top inch of soil is dry, but do not allow it to fully dry out or you may notice it wilting or “fainting”. Once the soil is moist, allow your Nerve Plant to drain thoroughly, as it should not sit in standing water for extended periods of time.
Feed your Nerve Plant once per month at half strength when it is actively growing. Reduce frequency of fertilization in the winter months. If no new leaves are growing, it does not need to be fertilized.
Protect furniture when watering & fertilizing.
When repotting your Nerve Plant, use an all-purpose potting mix, with additional orchid bark and perlite added, to ensure it has good drainage and plenty of nutrients.
Nerve Plants do require more care than other houseplants, as they require consistent levels of light, temperature, and humidity to keep them thriving. Their leaves will be a good indicator of what they may need:
Drooping, wilting leaves + dry soil = more water needed.
Yellowing leaves + soggy soil = less water needed or more drainage needed.
Leaves dropping = could be an indication that they are in a drafty or cold spot.
Drying, browning leaves & tips = could be an indication that they are receiving too much direct sunlight or not enough humidity.
