2023-09-19 18:00:19
If you keep an eye on the lighting, watering and substrate, the phytonia leaves will always be beautiful. Give it basic care and decorate your interiors with ease.
Last update: September 19, 2023
Good care of phytonia ensures that its oval or spear-shaped leaves of various sizes maintain vibrant and intense colors. It is a tropical interior plan that can enliven our home or workplace, creating a calm and cozy atmosphere.
Due to its various shades, this species is known as the mosaic plant. The scientific name is Fittonia verschaffeltii, being native to Peru. It can reach up to 15 centimeters in height, requiring indirect light, frequent watering and environmental humidity. for its healthy growth.
What are the basic care of phytonia?
Phytonia is very popular to grow, due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. It does not require large amounts of direct sunlight, adapting to different lighting conditions.
If you like to interact with your plants, the watering requirement makes it an ideal option for you. Phytonia is a versatile plant that adapts well to various types of decoration. Plant it in hanging pots, terrariums or use it as part of a floral arrangement.
One of the necessary care for phytonia is to check the temperature around it, which should be between 20 and 25 °C, because it prefers warmth and humidity. Take care of it from cold air currents.
Another key is to be aware of your watering. The plant demands water frequently to maintain the humidity of the substrate. Check that it drains well and that it does not accumulate at the base of the pot.
Excessive waterlogging, on the other hand, can lead to root rot. To prevent this, make sure that the pot has good drainage and that the substrate is not constantly wet. If you suspect that the roots are affected, remove the plant from the pot and cut off the damaged parts before transplanting it into a new substrate.
We recommend a substrate rich in organic matter. Additionally, you can take advantage of a liquid fertilizer for green plants or a specific fertilizer for indoor plants.
Propagation is very easy with stem cuttings. Cut a piece with leaves and place it in water or a moist substrate so that it develops its roots. After a few weeks you can grow it.
Leaf care
Phytonia leaves deserve special care to make them look beautiful. Its color is diverse, because it depends on the variety of the plant. They may have green foliage with white veins, while others are red or pink with green veins, measuring between two and five centimeters in length and being soft to the touch.
One of the care for phytonnia leaves that you cannot ignore is cleaning them. You can do it with a damp cloth to remove dust, which will improve breathing.
The leaves need to receive indirect light. That’s why, You must avoid direct exposure to the sun, as it could be damaged. Place it near a window, so that the dim lighting is a stimulus for it to develop its wide range of metabolic processes.
As it is a plant that tolerates pruning, trim long or yellowed leaves to give it a compact and healthy appearance. Do this immediately if you notice dead or damaged leaves.
The leaves are sensitive to excess water. If it feels mushy or turns brown at the edges, it may be a sign that the plant is receiving too much moisture. In this case, it is best to reduce the frequency of watering and let the substrate dry out.
Protection against pests that attack your fitonia
When you look at its leaves, check if pests are affecting it. The same They often cause stains, discoloration and deformation.
An important aspect of phytonia care is to monitor the fall or loss of leaves. If you notice it, You have to measure your irrigation, because you may be overdoing it with water..
Mites are often a common problem on houseplants, including Fittonia verschaffeltii. They can lead to discoloration of the leaves and leave a fine spider web on the plant.
To combat them, you can spray the leaves with water to wash away the mites. You can also use a quality acaricidal insecticide following the product instructions.
Powdery mildew is another common disease in phytonia. It appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems.
To combat this, you can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or wash the plant with water. There are also fungicides available on the market that can be effective.
Choose and provide the best care for the fitonia that you like the most
Each type of leaf of this plant and its varieties has its own appeal. In general, the ones you can get in nurseries and florists are the following:
Fittonia argyroneura: It is very attractive for its green color with red or silver veins.
Fittonia gigantea: It is larger than the previous ones. It has larger leaves and more prominent veins.
Fittonia alba: They have green leaves with white veins. This makes them a good option, because they give a touch of color to interior spaces.
Nervous fittonia: This variation is the most present in homes, due to its delicate appearance. It is characterized by its green leaves with purple, white or pink veins.
Fittonia verschaffeltii variant argyroneura.
In all of them, since the foliage is lush and attractive, they add a touch of freshness and vitality to any space. In any case, when choosing a plant, consider your aesthetic preferences and the growing conditions in your environment to select the one that best suits your possibilities.
Remember that basic care for phytonia includes providing it with indirect light, watering it, having a humid environment and avoiding extreme temperatures. With these basic care, you can enjoy a healthy plant with beautiful leaves.
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