Sunburn from direct sun
Pale, dry, bleached patches on the side facing the window are sunburn.
Diagnosis
Sunburn from direct sun
What's happening
Fittonia evolved in the dappled shade beneath the rainforest canopy and isn't built for harsh, direct sun. When strong rays hit the delicate leaves through glass they scorch the tissue, leaving dry, faded, brown-to-bleached patches that don't recover — usually worst on the leaves nearest the window. Strong sun also bleaches out the bright white veining the plant is grown for.
How to fix it
Move the plant back from the window or to a spot with bright, indirect light, or filter the harsh sun with a sheer curtain. The scorched patches won't turn green again, so trim badly damaged leaves at the stem for a tidier look; the plant will replace them with healthy, well-veined growth once it's out of the direct sun. East or north-facing light suits it best.
What fixes it
- A full-spectrum LED grow light — If a hot, bright window was your only light, a grow light gives even, gentle light without scorching the leaves.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full White Nerve Plant care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this