Why are the leaves wilting?

It is likely thirsty and needs a thorough watering.

Does it need direct sun?

No, it prefers bright, indirect light.

Plant guide

Fittonia.

Fittonia albivenis

Pronounced fit-TOH-nee-uh al-bih-VEE-nis

Also known as mosaic-plant, nerveplant, silver fittonia, silver netleaf, silver netplant, silver-nerve, silver-threads, snakeskinplant

The nerve plant is a charming tropical groundcover known for its striking, vein-patterned foliage. It thrives in humid environments and makes an excellent choice for terrariums. Keep it consistently moist to prevent the leaves from wilting.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 5 to 7 days
Mature size: 15 cm tall, 30 cm wide
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 11 to 12
Bloom time: Late spring to summer

Care

Maintain high humidity and keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. If the plant wilts, it is a clear sign it needs water, though it usually perks up quickly after a drink. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back the stems to encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit.
Repotting: Repot in the spring if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil loses its structure.
Soil: Peat-based potting mix
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: It is considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The plant is safe for children, though it is best to keep it out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion of soil or plant parts.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

Deep green oval leaves
Contrasting white, pink, or red veins
Low growing creeping habit
Soft, slightly fuzzy leaf texture

Height: 0.1 to 0.15m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.3m
Leaves: green, white, pink, red, evergreen
Flowers: white, yellow, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Check your fittonia from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm spot away from cold drafts. Ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy during the cooler months.
In containers: It is an excellent container plant that stays small and fits well in pots as small as 10 centimeters.

Stem cuttings

1. Snip a 5 centimeter stem cutting with a few leaves.
2. Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
3. Keep it in a warm, humid spot until roots form.

Group plants with similar moisture needs together to create a microclimate that boosts ambient humidity.

Grows well with

Ferns — They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
Peace Lily — They both thrive in the same warm, humid conditions.
Polka Dot Plant — They make a colorful pairing with similar care needs.

Similar species

Polka Dot Plant — It has similar foliage patterns and growth habits.
Peperomia — It is another compact, ornamental plant often grown for its foliage.

Science

Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Fittonia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical rainforests of South America, primarily Peru.
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as endangered.

It grows as a low creeping herb on the forest floor where it benefits from high humidity and filtered light.

Uses: houseplant, terrarium plant, ground cover in warm climates

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 2/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves wilting?: It is likely thirsty and needs a thorough watering.
Does it need direct sun?: No, it prefers bright, indirect light.

Where the name comes from

The name Fittonia honors the Irish botanists Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton, while albivenis refers to the white veins on the leaves.

Good to know

It is native to the tropical rainforests of South America.
The plant will dramatically wilt when it needs water but recovers quickly after a drink.
It thrives in the high humidity found in terrariums.
There are many cultivars with different vein colors like pink and red.
It is a member of the Acanthaceae family.

Also in

Low-light houseplants

Keep your fittonia growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.