I'd stop misting the Fittonia, w/ the AC, it may rot.

Better to check & water it more every couple of days. It won't like your heavy soil either, it needs light, fluffy, soil like AV mix w/ added perlite or vermiculite.

FYI: I'm sorry to tell you Fittonias don't usually do well outside Terrariums (even w/ a pebble tray), they require quite high humidity. (When I moved into my apt (28 yrs. ago), I carried in my arms in a large glass terrarium full of small green & white Fittonias which the mover kept asking me to sell him.) Only other place I could grow them OK was in the bathroom, next to the Shower.

It's not compatible watering-wise w/ the other plants (for group container). To sit next to each other on table would be fine.

Lena

Thanks once again Lena, I should've mentioned that the mixed container idea is something that I'll put off until I gain more experience.

I was iffy on the Fittonia because I had read that they were picky and require a lot of humidity, but they were $3.50 so I got one. I would consider a terrarium, I do have a glass container, I'll see if the fittonia will fit in it. I'll also get on amending the soil. I have a 50/50 perlite/cactus soil mix. It drains fast, and is much lighter than the heavier soil it's in now. Would this work for a terrarium?

You're welcome Brandon & Thx for explaining.

Yea, that soil combo could be OK am guessing, maybe try it in the pot they're in & keep on the pebble tray. It's said that keeping plants grouped together can raise their overall humidity. Can't say for sure, but if you were to keep them all grouped together & that on the pebble tray, it MAY be enough.

FIttonias will wilt dramatically from thirst, you should see quickly how often it needs watering. Just don't let it wilt often or too far or it won't come back.

I'd try it in open air first & if it's too much to keep up w/ the watering, then try the terrarium.

Lena

So the container I had was too small for the Fittonia, but I found a cheap, 2-gallon glass jar at Target online, so I'll see if they have it at the one near me.

I bought some potting soil and repotted all of the plants into it. I also tried out a fan in my room and found that it keeps me just about as cool as the AC, but doesn't make the rest of the room as cool. I positioned the fan away from the plants and took the AC out, meaning that some of the extra heat and humidity from outside will come in for the plants from the open window at the back end of the room, while I stay cool on the other end with the fan.

With the experimentation I'm doing with these plants, the incredibly helpful info you've given me, and the "Good Growing Practices" thread that I've just started reading I'm hoping I'll be able to get a hang of growing these plants. Thank you so much Lena. :)

You're welcome, happy to hear you found my comments helpful.

About the potting soil, did you buy perlite too & mix it 50/50? Otherwise the potting soil alone may be too heavy & slow draining, I thought you knew that already (too much peat).

I'm not so concerned abt the AC, why is that a problem?

I have AC among my plants, Hoyas, Sans & some tropicals. I even have some directly in front of it, no problem there.

Before you spend $ at Target for a terrarium, pls. check out thrift shops &/or Goodwill. I've bought glass globes there more cheaply, worth a look.

Enjoy your experiments,

Lena

I can pick up some perlite for the soil, I knew that there were plenty of plants that prefer better drainage, but I didn't know if it was necessary for these.

My concern with the AC was that I just felt that it was making the air too cool, even on a low setting. I also like to sleep with heavier blankets, so I usually keep the AC on all night, but I've found the fan works just as well. Now that the window's open, there's plenty of fresh air and humidity coming in. Also, with the AC blocking the window, my room would still stay cool most of the time, but with the window open I've noticed that it feels more like the warm day/slightly cooler night cycle that I've read a lot of plants prefer, I'm just thinking better safe than sorry, ya' know?

I will look around for a glass container. I do live near a Savers, but previous times I've been I haven't found anything large enough for what I need. You never know though.

Well you may wish to consider adding the 50% perlite to any houseplant mix, they'll all benefit from it.

I think w/ the AC business, I think you might be overthinking things a bit, but maybe it's me. I tend to take much of what I read online w/ a grain of salt & I like to keep things on the simpler side.

I might be overthinking it, as I tend to do, but I do enjoy having fresh air with the window open and fans are more cost effective anyways.

Suggest you go to a nearby 2nd hand store such as Salvation Army for your larger glass container. Many are often available for minor change.

Jean, I did check the Savers near me, but they didn't have anything large enough, so I opted for the one at target. Even that one, though, is a little small. The Fittonia is leaning forward a little so I have to pinch it back a bit.