Nettle Care Guide

Light Requirements

• Ideal: Bright, indirect light for fastest growth and richest leaf color
• Tolerates: Medium to low light—but may grow more slowly and with smaller leaves
• Avoid: Direct sun, which can bleach or scorch leaves

Great for offices or rooms with filtered light; adapts well to north- or east-facing windows.

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, allowing the top 1–2 inches to dry out between waterings
• Never let it sit in soggy soil—good drainage is key
• Water less in winter, when growth slows

Signs of water issues:

• Yellowing leaves = overwatering
• Brown edges or leaf tips = underwatering or low humidity

Water with filtered or room-temp water if your tap is high in salts or chemicals.

Soil & Potting

• Use a loose, well-aerated potting mix:
• Mix: potting soil + perlite + a bit of coco coir or orchid bark
• Pot in containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Repot every 1–2 years or when noticeably rootbound

Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temp: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
• Avoid: Cold drafts or temps below 60°F
• Enjoys moderate to high humidity (50%+), but more tolerant than Calatheas or Alocasias

Misting occasionally or running a nearby humidifier can boost growth, especially in winter.

Fertilizer

• Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer (diluted to half-strength)
• Skip or reduce feeding in fall/winter

Leafy varieties (like ‘Emerald Gem’) benefit from a nitrogen-rich formula, while red or variegated types (like ‘Red Velvet’ or ‘Camouflage’) prefer a balanced blend

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base with clean snips
• Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and encourage photosynthesis
• Rotate every few weeks to promote symmetrical growth

Pests & Problems

• Relatively pest-resistant, but may encounter:
• Spider mites in dry conditions
• Mealybugs or aphids on new growth
• Root rot from overwatering or compact soil

Treat pests early with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase humidity and airflow to prevent mite outbreaks.

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Like other aroids, it contains calcium oxalates that can cause irritation.

Propagation

• Best propagated by division during repotting
• Gently separate root clumps and pot each section individually
• Propagation via stem cuttings is not reliable for most Homalomena species