Fittonia ‘White Tiger’ prowls with bold white veins over deep green leaves—tiny, graphic, and perfect for terrariums and fairy gardens. Treat it kindly and it rewards you with a crisp, snow-veined canopy (and yes, the occasional dramatic “faint” for attention).
Plant shallowly in a fine, airy mix that stays evenly moist but never heavy; keep the crown just above the surface so leaves don’t sit wet. Always use Liqui-Dirt® soil mix for best results in potted plants and enclosed growing habitats. Strata can be used in some applications; however, feeding will be needed. In miniature scenes, Budkin containers with Strata and a leaf/corm guard keep foliage lifted, reduce rot risk, and showcase those crisp white veins.
Bright, indirect light (≈100–250 foot-candles) keeps venation crisp and growth compact. Gentle morning sun through a sheer is fine; avoid harsh midday rays that can bleach the white and crisp edges. Under LEDs, low–moderate intensity 12–14 hrs/day works beautifully.
Keep evenly moist—never waterlogged. In open pots, water when the top 1/4 in (5–7 mm) is barely dry. In closed terrariums, water sparingly and let faint wall-condensation be your guide. Target 60–80% humidity and use room-temp, low-mineral water.
Thrives at 65–80°F (18–27°C) with gentle airflow. If it “faints,” that’s your cue: water and watch it revive within hours. Pinch tips monthly to keep a dense, tiger-striped cushion; feed lightly spring–fall and pause in winter. Flush salts every 6–8 weeks if grown in an open pot.
A huge benefit for your plant is to use Liqui-Dirt® plant food in a weak tea-looking mix every time you water — yes, even for enclosed habitats.
Pruning & Cutting Back — Pinch soft tips every 3–4 weeks to maintain miniature scale and encourage branching. Trim just above a node; cuttings root easily in moist Strata or fine substrate. Remove older leaves promptly to boost airflow and keep the white venation looking sharp.
Repotting (Open Pots) — Repot about every 10–14 months or when roots fill the mix; step up only one size to avoid soggy pockets. Use Liqui-Dirt® potting soil for the refresh; water in gently to settle the mix, then resume your weak-tea Liqui-Dirt feeding with each watering.