Fittonia albivenis
Common name: Nerve plant · Mosaic plant · Silver net plant
Fittonia albivenis is a low-growing evergreen perennial in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae), native to the tropical rainforests of Peru and northwestern South America. It is prized for its striking foliage: deep green, oval leaves overlaid with a vivid network of white, pink, or red veins. Its creeping, mat-forming habit makes it a popular houseplant, especially for terrariums, where its demand for high humidity is easily met. It is the most widely cultivated species in its genus.
Care summary
Sun
Bright indirect light; tolerates low light, no direct sun
Water
Keep soil evenly moist; wilts dramatically when dry
Soil
Humus-rich, well-draining potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 11–12
Mature height
About 8–15 cm (0.25–0.5 ft)
Pet safe
Yes; non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings root very easily. Take a 5-10 cm tip cutting with at least two nodes, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist potting mix; roots form within a couple of weeks. Cuttings kept warm and humid root fastest.
Fun facts
- When thirsty, the whole plant collapses in a dramatic faint — and usually perks back up within hours of watering.
- The genus is named for sisters Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton, 19th-century Irish writers on botany.
- Popular cultivars come in vein colors ranging from pure white to vivid pink and deep red.
- Though grown for its leaves, it does flower — small, inconspicuous cream-colored spikes that growers often pinch off.