Sunburn from direct sun
Pale, dry, bleached patches on the side facing the window are scorch from direct sun.
Diagnosis
Sunburn from direct sun
What's happening
Nerve plants evolved in the shade of the forest floor and are not built for direct sun. When strong rays hit the delicate leaves through a window, they burn the tissue, leaving dry, faded, brown-to-bleached patches that won't recover — usually worst on the leaves closest to the glass, and the colored veins fade out first.
How to fix it
Move the plant back from the window or to a spot with gentle, bright indirect light, or soften the harsh sun with a sheer curtain. The scorched patches won't green up again, so trim badly damaged leaves at the stem if you want a tidier look. New growth will come in healthy once the plant is out of direct sun. East or north light, or a few feet back from a brighter window, suits Fittonia best.
What fixes it
- A full-spectrum LED grow light — If a harsh window was the only light source, 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 Nerve Plant care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this