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Fittonia albivenis

Previously known as:

  • Adelaster albivenis
  • Eranthemum rubronervium
  • Fittonia argyroneura
Phonetic Spelling
fit-TOH-neeuh al-bih-VEN-iss
Description

The nerve plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. In its native habitat, the plant grows as a creeping evergreen, up to 8 inches tall, and spreads to about 18 inches wide. In the United States, it is commonly grown as a houseplant where it thrives in bright to medium light, average to cool room temperature, and medium humidity.  It performs well under fluorescent lights. It is low-growing, spreading, and stays fairly small. It works well in a pot or hanging basket. This plant is winter hardy in USDA Zones 11 and 12.

The genus name, Fittonia, honors two sisters, Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton. In 1817, they authored Conservations on Botany. The specific epithet, albivenis, means "with white veins." This refers to the colorful leaf veins of the nerve plant. 

The leaves are green and beautifully veined in red, pink, or white. Leaves will shrivel and fall off in dry air, drafts, or direct sun. Pinching the stems may keep the plant bushy and full. Roots are shallow so you can keep it in a small pot. Plant in well-drained potting soil. If it gets too dry it will dramatically wilt but it comes back after getting a drink. Recommend watering two times a week.

This plant is desirable for the colorful veining of its leaves. It is easily distinguished from Episcia or Saintpaulia by non-pubescent leaves. The creeping stems will root.

The nerve plant may be used as a desktop plant or as a ground cover in interiorscapes. Dwarf plants can be used in terrariums.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Deep, olive green, ovate leaves with white, pink, or red veins
  • creamy white tubular flowers between bracts
  • low-growing and creeping habit

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for mealybugs, scale, spider mites and slugs. Overwatering can cause root rot. The leaves may become scorched from direct sunlight. This plant is susceptible to leaf spots. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may wither. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#low growing#showy leaves#interiorscape#hanging baskets#variegated#groundcover#fantz#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#low growing#showy leaves#interiorscape#hanging baskets#variegated#groundcover#fantz#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Fittonia
    Species:
    albivenis
    Family:
    Acanthaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Bolivia, Northern Brazil, Columbia, Peru, and Venezuela
    Distribution:
    Bangladesh, El Salvador, Marianas, Myanmar, Trinidad-Tobago, and the United States
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
    Spreading
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Description:
    Insignificant. An erect, 4-angled, terminal spike to 3 inches, partially concealed by bracts. White, small, barely showing from overlapping bracts; corolla tubular, bilabiate. Blooms July to August. Indoor plants typically do not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Deep green ovate leaves with short petioles are 2-4 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. They have showy veins of white, pink, or red and are opposite, simple, crowded, entire, glabrous, and reticulate.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Succulent, prostrate, and creeping with hairs. Stems are green, maroon or green with maroon markings.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants