What's eating my fittonia?

Fittonias are small tropical houseplants primarily troubled by spider mites and mealybugs. Their thin, moisture-loving leaves make them attractive to spider mites in dry air. Fungus gnats are common because Fittonias prefer consistently moist soil. Aphids can appear on new growth. Good humidity and avoiding bone-dry or waterlogged soil prevents most problems.

Pale speckling or silvery bronzing across the decorative veined leaves; fine webbing; leaves curl and crisp at edges in dry air. Raise humidity significantly; rinse leaves under a gentle shower; apply diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days until mites are gone.

White cottony masses tucked at stem joints and under leaves; leaves yellow and growth stalls. Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; follow up with neem oil spray; inspect all new growth and soil surface carefully.

Adults flutter around the pot; larvae chew fine surface roots; Fittonia may wilt suddenly even though soil appears moist. Use Bti (e.g., Gnatrol or Mosquito Bits) watered into the soil; add a thin layer of coarse sand on top to deter egg-laying adults.