Nerve plant (Fittonia)
Fittonia verschaffeltii (Acanthaceae)
Also called Jewel Plant, Silver Nerve, Mosaic Plant, Silver Threads.
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Nerve Plant", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol Best
- Bright indirect 10+ mol
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Does best in bright to medium indirect light, such as an east or north window, and does well under fluorescent lights. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 6 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Water regularly but moderately; yellowing leaves usually mean overwatering.
Leaves shrivel in dry air or drafts; a wet pebble tray helps with humidity.
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- Button fern medium light
- Swedish ivy medium light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Boston fern bright indirect light
- Calathea medium light
- Cape primrose (Streptocarpus) bright indirect light