I was thinking to upgrade to the watercircle plan, one of the reasons being for Node.js development. I'm having trouble finding more details on Freehostia beyond "Optional Node.js" though.

Under the watercircle plan it says "Optional Node.js", in the link under the section "Scripting, DB & Development" here https://www.freehostia.com/hosting/watercircle-plan/

What is meant by "optional"? I see in the control panel there's 0 of 0 instances for me on my Chocolate. How many instances do the other plans include, if any? I couldn't find any more details.

I tried searching the Freehostia forums, all I found was this 4 year old post it wasn't supported at that time. If you can provide more details of what does or doesn't work with Node.js that would be great.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=65174&p=91370&hilit=node.js#p91370

Any advice or details would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hello,

Optional means you can purchase that as an additional upgrade for your plan.
Free plan still can not offer NodeJS support and you will need at least the Watercircle once at least.
If there is anything else we can help with, please let us know.

_________________
Best Regards,
Miles
ModeratorsTeam
Freehostia.com

Where is the price stated?

Hello,

please open a trouble ticket from your account with us and provide us with more detailed information regarding the exact trouble that you experience so we will be able to review this case for you and assist you further. You will be able to do this via the Open a New Ticket button of your account control panel Help Center section at the top right corner in Hosting Control Panel.

_________________
Best Regards,
Miles
ModeratorsTeam
Freehostia.com