Fittonia, commonly known as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which includes other ornamental plants like justicia and hypoestes. The genus, named after 19th-century botanists Elizabeth and Sarah Fitton, comprises a few species, with Fittonia albivenis being the most cultivated. Other common names include snakeskin plant and painted net plant, reflecting the intricate, vein-like patterns on their leaves that resemble neural networks or reptilian scales.
Fittonia plants were first described in the 19th century by European botanists exploring South American rainforests, with the genus named in honor of the Fitton sisters, who authored influential botanical works. Indigenous peoples in Peru and Colombia likely used these plants for decorative or medicinal purposes. Their popularity as houseplants grew in the 20th century, particularly during the houseplant boom of the 1970s, due to their vibrant foliage and suitability for terrariums, making them a favorite among indoor gardeners.
Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia, Fittonia thrives in the humid, shaded understories of these regions. Growing as low, creeping perennials, they flourish in warm, moist environments with dappled light, often spreading across the forest floor or climbing over rocks. This natural habitat informs their need for high humidity and indirect light in indoor settings.
Fittonia plants are characterized by their small, oval leaves, typically 1–4 inches long, with intricate, colorful veins that contrast sharply against the leaf surface, creating a mosaic-like effect. Their low-growing, creeping stems form dense mats, rarely exceeding 6 inches in height, though some species can grow taller. The plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers, but their vibrant foliage is the primary draw, with leaf textures that are soft and slightly velvety.
Fittonia plants are primarily grown as ornamental houseplants, valued for their striking, veined foliage that adds color and texture to indoor spaces. They are ideal for terrariums, dish gardens, or humid environments like bathrooms due to their love for high humidity and low light. They contribute to indoor air quality by adding moisture and are often used in mixed plant arrangements or as ground cover under taller houseplants. Their compact size and vivid patterns make them popular for decorative pots or as low-maintenance gifts.
Types of Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Mini Superba
Mini Superba is a compact cultivar with small, dark green leaves adorned with delicate, silvery-white veins, belonging to the Argyroneura group. Growing to about 3–4 inches tall, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, with consistently moist, well-draining soil. Its dense, intricate veining makes it a perfect choice for small terrariums or tabletop displays.
Pink Angel
Pink Angel, part of the Verschaffeltii group, features tightly packed, small green leaves with vibrant pink veins, creating a bold, colorful look. It grows to 4–6 inches and prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and regular misting to mimic its rainforest origins. Its intense pink coloration adds a lively pop to any indoor space.
Frankie
Frankie is a standout Verschaffeltii cultivar with dark green leaves heavily infused with bubblegum pink, often more pink than green. Reaching 4–6 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil, with high humidity to prevent wilting. Its striking, pink-dominant foliage is ideal for vibrant, eye-catching displays.
Fortissimo
Fortissimo, a larger Verschaffeltii cultivar, boasts dark green leaves with bold pinkish-red veins, growing to 6–8 inches. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil, making it suitable for terrariums or steamy bathrooms. Its robust size and vivid veining make it a dramatic focal point.
Juanita
Juanita, from the Verschaffeltii group, features large, deep green leaves with bright red veins, offering a striking contrast. Growing to 6–8 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, with well-draining, peat-based soil. Its bold, broad leaves suit larger pots or as an underplanting for taller houseplants.
Red Anne
Red Anne, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, has medium-sized green leaves with vivid red veins, creating a rich, textured appearance. It grows to 4–6 inches, needing bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil to thrive. Its vibrant red veining makes it a stunning addition to mixed plant arrangements.
Pink Star
Pink Star is a Verschaffeltii cultivar with small, wavy green leaves and broad, bright pink veins, giving it a unique, textured look. Growing to 3–5 inches, it prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, ideal for terrariums. Its delicate, star-like pattern adds charm to small spaces.
Black Star
Black Star, part of the Verschaffeltii group, features dark emerald green leaves with rich purple-red veins, creating a moody, elegant aesthetic. It grows to 4–6 inches, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity with moist soil. Its deep, contrasting colors pair well with lighter foliage plants.
Angel Snow
Angel Snow, an Argyroneura cultivar, has rich green leaves with prominent white veins and splotches along the edges, giving a soft, snowy look. Growing to 3–4 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, perfect for terrariums. Its delicate, white patterns add a serene touch to decor.
Pearcei
Pearcei, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, showcases deep green leaves with dense, bright red fishnet-like veins, also known as the snakeskin plant. It grows to 4–6 inches, needing bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil. Its intricate, bold veining is a favorite for collectors.
Purple Vein
Purple Vein, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, features dark green leaves with light lavender-purple veins, offering a softer, elegant contrast. Growing to 4–6 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, with regular watering to keep soil moist. Its subtle purple hues suit sophisticated indoor settings.
Daisy
Daisy, an Argyroneura cultivar, has large, gray-green leaves with bold white veins and margins, creating a soft, neutral aesthetic. Growing to 5–7 inches, it prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, ideal for terrariums or dish gardens. Its larger leaves add a calm, airy feel to displays.
Josan
Josan, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, displays medium-sized green leaves with rich red veins, offering a balanced, vibrant look. It grows to 4–6 inches, thriving in bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil with high humidity. Its bold veining makes it a striking choice for contrasting pots.
Mini Red
VeinMini Red Vein, a compact Verschaffeltii cultivar, features small green leaves with dense red-pink veins, perfect for tight spaces. Growing to 3–4 inches, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistent moisture. Its petite size and vivid veins are ideal for terrarium collections.
White Forest Flame
White Forest Flame, an Argyroneura cultivar, has dark green leaves with striking white veins, creating a bold, flame-like pattern. It grows to 4–6 inches, thriving in bright, indirect light and high humidity with moist soil. Its vivid contrast adds a dynamic touch to indoor gardens.
Pink Crinkle
Pink Crinkle, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, features small, wavy green leaves with bright pink veins, giving a textured, crinkled appearance. Growing to 3–5 inches, it prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, perfect for terrariums. Its unique texture and color make it a charming accent plant.
Red Star
Red Star, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, has small green leaves densely striped with deep red-pink veins, creating a starry, vibrant look. Growing to 3–5 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, with moist, well-draining soil. Its compact size suits small pots or mixed displays.
Mosaic Pink Diamond
Mosaic Pink Diamond, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, showcases small green leaves with intricate pink veins, resembling a diamond pattern. It grows to 3–4 inches, needing bright, indirect light and high humidity, ideal for terrariums. Its delicate, gem-like appearance adds elegance to small spaces.
White Anne
White Anne, an Argyroneura cultivar, features small green leaves with crisp white veins, offering a clean, classic look. Growing to 3–5 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, with consistent moisture. Its bright, neutral tones pair well with colorful companions.
Silver Nerve
Silver Nerve, an Argyroneura cultivar (often Fittonia albivenis ‘Minima’), has tiny, delicate green leaves with silvery veins, staying under 3 inches tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil, making it a top choice for small terrariums or bottle gardens.
Pink Forest Flame
Pink Forest Flame, a Verschaffeltii cultivar, features green leaves with vibrant pink veins, creating a bold, flame-like pattern. Growing to 4–6 inches, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, with well-draining soil. Its vivid veining adds a tropical flair to indoor settings.
Gigantea
Gigantea, a distinct species (Fittonia gigantea), is larger, reaching up to 31 inches tall, with big green leaves and red veins. Native to South America, it thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil, suitable for larger pots or as a statement plant. Its size and bold foliage make it a unique addition.