Free Fittonia Verschaffeltii Plants

This pretty plant is delicate and dislikes draughts, temperature fluctuation, dry air and neglect. As it requires quite a lot of care, it is an ideal subject to be grown in a protected environment, such as a terrarium or bottle garden, where there are no draughts and the level of humidity is likely to be high. The plant is also susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. A tiny slug or snail can hide in the surface of the compost during the day and come out at night to feed. Take care that the plant and compost are free ofthe pests and that any plants grown in association with it are similarly clean.

Plant type : Foliage plant with semi-prostrate habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 15-20cm (6-8in)
Flower : Uninteresting spike, produced in spring/summer
Leaf : Rounded, oval, 5-7.5cm (2—3in), green with pink veins
Temperature : 18-21'C (65 — 70°F)
Aspect/Light : Moderate light to light shade
Humidity : High
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with half strength houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 7.5-9cm (3-3jin) cuttings with at least two pairs of leaves in seed and cutting compost at 20-21°C (68—70°F) during mid spring to early summer
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Slug, snail, shrivelling leaves caused by dry atmosphere
Availability : Fairly commonly available throughout year
Uses indoors : Good plant for bottle garden, bowl or terrarium