Nerve Plant, Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis), also called mosaic plant or painted net-leaf, is a creeping, humidity-loving perennial grown for its stunningly veined foliage. Native to Peru, it's a member of the Acanthaceae family and a classic terrarium and houseplant.

Description

Low, spreading habit 3–6 inches tall, trailing to 12–18 inches. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 2–3 inches long, deep olive-green with a striking network of white, pink, or red veins (depending on cultivar). Stems root at nodes. Small, insignificant flowers on spikes.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 11–12 outdoors; grown as houseplant/terrarium plant elsewhere.
• Light: Low to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun. Color best in moderate light.
• Soil: Well-drained, peaty, moisture-retentive mix.
• Water: Keep constantly moist—never allow to dry out. Wilts dramatically when dry but recovers quickly if watered promptly.
• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C); sensitive to cold.
• Humidity: Very high humidity essential; ideal for terrariums.

Care & Maintenance

Pinch to encourage bushiness. Feed monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer. Repot annually. Propagate from stem cuttings or division. Terrarium culture reduces watering frequency.

Uses

Terrariums, bottle gardens, humid bathrooms, dish gardens, groundcover in tropical vivariums. Beautiful combined with mosses and ferns.

Potential Issues

Crispy leaf edges from low humidity. Root rot if waterlogged. Fungus gnats in overly wet soil. Aphids and mealybugs occasionally. Dramatic wilting is a reliable water indicator.

A jewel-like foliage plant that thrives in the high-humidity microclimates other plants need.