Fittonia

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The Fittonia, also known as the mosaic plant, is one of the most charming houseplants you can have. With its striking leaves full of contrasting veins—from bright pink to white or deep green—it instantly brings color and life to any room. This compact plant is ideal for beginner plant lovers. It requires little space but provides a lot of ambiance in return.

Thanks to its tropical roots, the Fittonia thrives in warm, humid environments. Think of a bright bathroom or a spot on a windowsill away from direct sunlight. It's also an excellent plant for terrariums or smaller living spaces like student digs – it's no wonder it's on our list of the 7 best student digs plants in Leuven .

Various species within the Fittonia family

The Fittonia belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is native to the rainforests of South America. Within this family, there are several varieties, each with their own unique color patterns and leaf structures. Here are some popular varieties of this beautiful plant:

• Fittonia albivenis 'White Star' – with white veins on dark green leaves
• Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Angel' – pink veins for a feminine accent
• Fittonia 'Red Vein' – deep red veins that really stand out
• Fittonia 'Mini White' – compact with subtle white veins
• Fittonia 'Skeleton' – dramatic leaf markings, almost skeletal
• Fittonia 'Pearcei' – a unique combination of dark green leaves with light pink veins
• Fittonia 'Frankie' – a variegated mix of white, green, and pink

These varieties are ideal if you are looking for a plant that is not only beautiful, but also fits well in smaller spaces or a terrarium.

How to care for a Fittonia

A Fittonia is easy to care for if you know what it needs. With the right amount of light, water, and humidity, it will remain a showpiece in your home for years to come. Read below to learn everything you need to know to keep it happy.

Light for a Fittonia

The Fittonia loves bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves. A north- or east-facing window is ideal.

Do you have a darker room? No problem. The Fittonia also thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for shady spots in your home .

How do you water a Fittonia?

The Fittonia loves moist soil, but not wet feet. Water it regularly, keeping the potting mix slightly moist. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

In summer, this might mean watering it two to three times a week. In winter, once a week is usually sufficient. Regularly check the soil to see if it's too dry or too wet.

Preferably use rainwater or lukewarm tap water. Water that is too cold can cause stress.

The perfect potting soil for a Fittonia

For a healthy Fittonia, the right potting soil is essential. Use airy, well-draining soil. Mix standard potting soil with perlite to improve drainage.

You can also add a little sphagnum moss , which will help retain moisture without causing the roots to rot.

Be sure to check out our selection of potting soil and accessories for the ideal mix.

Common problems with a Fittonia

Even though the Fittonia is relatively easy to care for, problems can still arise. Below are the most common symptoms and what you can do about them.

Fittonia leaves droop

A dripping or drooping Fittonia is usually a sign of insufficient water. The plant can look dramatic, but don't panic: water it quickly, and within a few hours it will be standing proudly upright again.

Be careful not to let this happen too often. Repeated drying out can weaken the plant in the long run.

Yellow leaves on the Fittonia

Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Check that no water remains at the bottom of the pot.

Use a pot with drainage holes and adjust your watering accordingly. Consider replacing the soil with a more airy mix, as described above.

Pests on your Fittonia

The Fittonia is susceptible to spider mites and thrips, especially in dry air. Regularly check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or webs.

Use an organic spray like Jungle Mist to naturally combat pests. Also read our guide on thrips on your houseplant for more information.

Roots emerge from the bottom of the pot

When the roots grow out of the bottom of the pot, it's time to repot. Choose a pot that's 2 to 4 cm larger in diameter.

Use fresh soil and check the roots for health. Do you see black, slimy roots? Then read our guide on what to do about root rot .

Brown edges on the leaves

Brown leaf tips are often a sign of overly dry air. The Fittonia is native to rainforests and thrives in high humidity.

Mist it regularly with water or place it near other plants to increase humidity. Read our tips for increasing humidity .

Is the Fittonia poisonous to pets?

Good news for pet owners: Fittonia is not poisonous to cats or dogs.

Looking for more inspiration for animal-friendly plants ? Check out our complete list.

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Whether you're a beginner or simply looking for a beautiful, easy-care plant, Fittonia is an excellent choice. It's compact, colorful, and ideal for smaller spaces. Combine it with other easy-care plants like the Chinese Money Plant or Zamioculcas for a stylish, stress-free plant corner.

For accessories, gloves, or to upgrade your potting soil, visit our plant accessories shop . This way, you can give your Fittonia the love it deserves.

Ready to bring your mosaic plant home? Order today and enjoy our service with home delivery or pickup in Leuven.