What are Fittonias?
Often called the mosaic plant or nerve plant because of the brightly coloured and contrasting veins that coarse through their leaves, the Fittonia family is multifarious in styles of veining and foliage. Because they are native to south America (warm and humid climate), they have to be cared for very differently as compared to most other houseplants. Commonly used for Terrarium plants Singapore
Source: Fittonias (red and white)
Light requirements for Terrarium Plants Singapore
Filtered Sunlight
Fittonias used for Terrarium Plants Singapore require filtered sunlight to thrive. This is dissimilar to direct sunlight – lower in intensity. So why cant nerve plants thrive under direct sunlight? The reason is because of its sensitivity. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaf blades causing it to discolor.
Source: Direct sunlight
Artificial Lighting
One can also use indoor fluorescent lighting. High-pressure sodium lamps or metal halide lamps work great too.
Water requirements
Watering
Due to its tropical nature, fittonias require that its soil be moist at all times. However becareful to not water so much as to waterlog the soil (a point of emphasis at our terrarium workshop!). Waterlogged soil is a haven for diseases and limits air flow to the roots. Always use water at room temperature.
Misting
Regular misting is needed to prevent limping and wilting of leaves. Reason being that fittonias are indigenous to tropical regions. Mist twice daily.
Humidity and temperature levels for Terrarium Plants Singapore
As fittonias are plants indigenous to tropical climate, they have grown to require higher than average levels of humidity. Thus regularly mist and water your fittonias. If they are kept in a closed terrarium, you need only water them once a month. For open terrariums, water them as often as once every 2 days.
Source: Temperature & humidity
Soil and Fertilizer For Terrarium Plants Singapore
Optimal Soil
Soil mixes optimal for fittonias must be able to drain well. Apart from that the soil must also possess high levels of organic content that mimics its indigenous tropical habitat. High amounts of organic matter will aid in the retention of water. However, the soil shouldn’t remain waterlogged and saturated else disease will run rampant and roots of your fittonias will rot. If your soil mix ever becomes waterlogged, mix in coarse sand and pelite to aid in drainage.
Source: Soil mix ingredients
Creating Soil Mixes
A great soil mix comprises of equal parts of course sand, peat and potting soil. Reason being that where potting soil is balanced in nutrient value and drainage, peat has high organic matter content. Coarse sand aids in drainage as well.
Note: Our soil mixes are specially mixed and provided for you during our terrarium workshop! this helps your terrarium plants singapore thrive well!
Pruning Terrarium Plants Singapore
If all the right environmental conditions are met, fittonias can grow very quickly. To keep it bushy and dense, prune off stems that protrude from the bush. Remove any small flowery spikes too.
Source: Pruning fittonias
Interested in designing and making your very own terrarium? We at Ecoponics conduct regular individual and group terrarium workshops for both corporates and schools. Come join us at Ecoponics, terrarium workshop singapore!
