Nerve Plant, Fittonia Red and Maranta Red Prayer Plant

 

A few weeks ago, we visited The Grainery Company and were warmly greeted by two lovely ladies at the floral counter. They were incredibly helpful as they assisted us in selecting a stunning Fittonia Red and Maranta Red Prayer Plant.

Fittonia Red Care Tips: Keep Your Nerve Plant Thriving

Fittonia Red, also known as the Nerve Plant, is a stunning plant known for its vibrant red-veined leaves. If you want to keep this beauty healthy and thriving, here are some care tips to ensure it grows beautifully in your home:

Light: Fittonia Red prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate low light, its colors will be much more vibrant in a well-lit spot. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

Watering: This plant enjoys consistent moisture but hates being waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure the pot has good drainage to avoid root rot. If the plant starts to droop, it’s a sign it needs more water—just be sure to avoid letting it sit in standing water.

Temperature: Fittonia Red thrives in warmer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning, or heat sources, as it doesn’t like sudden temperature changes.

Humidity: Fittonia Red loves high humidity, so consider placing it in a humid room like a bathroom (with indirect light). Alternatively, you can mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a humidity tray to maintain a moisture-rich environment.

Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential for Fittonia Red. A peat-based mix or one designed for tropical plants will work best. Good drainage prevents water from sitting around the roots and causing rot.

Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Fittonia Red every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, liquid fertilizer. Reduce fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

Pruning: To keep your Fittonia Red looking full and bushy, trim any leggy growth as needed. You can also pinch back the stems to encourage branching and more vibrant foliage.

Repotting: Fittonia Red doesn’t mind being a bit root-bound, but it should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. Choose a pot just slightly larger than the current one, and make sure it has proper drainage.

Maranta Red Prayer Plant Care Tips: Keep Your Plant's Foliage Healthy and Vibrant

The Maranta Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a stunning houseplant known for its unique, colorful foliage and its fascinating habit of folding its leaves at night—just like praying hands. To keep this beauty thriving in your home, here are some essential care tips:

Light: Maranta Red Prayer Plants prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light may cause them to lose their vibrant colors. Find a spot with plenty of filtered light, such as near a north or east-facing window.

Watering: This plant loves consistent moisture but hates sitting in water. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but be sure not to overwater. Ensure your pot has good drainage to prevent root rot, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Temperature: Maranta Red Prayer Plants thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They don’t like cold drafts, so avoid placing them near windows that may get chilly, or air conditioners and heaters that create temperature fluctuations.

Humidity: High humidity is essential for this tropical beauty. Maranta plants thrive in humidity levels of 50% or higher, so consider placing it in a bathroom or kitchen with plenty of steam. Alternatively, you can use a humidity tray, mist the leaves, or invest in a humidifier to keep your plant happy.

Soil: A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is perfect for Maranta Red Prayer Plants. It’s important that the soil retains some moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. A mix designed for tropical plants or houseplants works great.

Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Maranta every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. In the fall and winter, reduce feeding as the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning: To maintain its shape and promote fuller growth, prune any leggy stems or leaves that look damaged. You can also trim back the plant’s longer stems to encourage branching and bushier growth.

Repotting: Maranta plants don’t mind being a bit root-bound, but they should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the roots have outgrown their pot. Choose a pot that’s just a little larger than the current one and make sure it has good drainage.

With a little attention to humidity, light, and moisture, your Fittonia Red and Maranta Red Prayer Plant will flourish and continue to brighten up your space with their gorgeous, colorful foliage.

 Happy planting!