How to prune fittonia 'frankie'

Spring through summer; remove flower spikes year-round as they appear. Trim the top 1–2 inches of each stem just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Pinching with fingernails works on soft new growth. Snip flower spikes at their base the moment they emerge to redirect energy into foliage.

Every few weeks during the growing season. Fittonia 'Frankie' benefits from regular pinching to prevent legginess — it can become straggly without it. Pinch or trim stem tips just above a leaf node to encourage dense, branching growth. Also remove any upright flower spikes as soon as they appear, since flowering diverts energy away from the decorative pink-veined foliage.

Trim the top 1–2 inches of each stem just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Pinching with fingernails works on soft new growth. Snip flower spikes at their base the moment they emerge to redirect energy into foliage.