Frankie Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis 'Frankie')

Frankie Nerve Plant

Fittonia albivenis 'Frankie'

Its veiny leaves paint a delicate mosaic on tabletops. Compact evergreen foliage plant; common name: nerve plant.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate leaves
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the substrate to dry out completely
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Temperature Thrives in warm, humid conditions; avoid cold drafts below 15°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval, matte green leaves with bright pink/red contrasting veins; 2–5 cm long
  • Flower: Small white tubular blooms on slender upright spikes (rare in indoor cultivation)
  • Stem: Delicate trailing stems that readily root at leaf nodes
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture; mist leaves 2–3 times weekly to boost humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as concentrated feeds can cause leaf tip burn

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest infestations
Pruning
  • Pinch back leggy stem tips to encourage bushier, compact growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and appearance
  • Trim trailing stems to control size for small containers or terrariums
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental foliage for terrariums, tabletops, and hanging baskets; ground cover in shaded tropical garden beds