Fittonia albivenis

Credit: Yoan Martin

Fittonia albivenis

Credit: Dick Culbert

Fittonia albivenis in flower

Credit: Darina

Fittonia albivenis with red foliage

Credit: Mokkie

Fittonia albivenis, a mosaic of colors

With its small size and colorful leaves, Fittonia albivenis is often confused with hypoestes phyllostachya. Although both species belong to the Acanthaceae family, there is one detail that differentiates them. Fittonia albivenis has colored veins, while those of the ephelid plant remain green.

How to recognize Fittonia albivenis?

Fittonia albivenis is a creeping perennial. Very bushy, it grows to a maximum height of ten centimetres and a spread of 30 centimetres.

The hairy stems are hidden beneath compact foliage. They have a short petiole, which supports the leaf blades.

Leaves have wavy margins. Oval, they are green with colored veins. Depending on the variety, they may be pink, red, white or silver. But whatever their color, they don't exceed ten centimeters in length.

In summer, spikes of white flowers enhance the foliage.

Fittonia albivenis is not toxic if ingested by young children or animals. However, the down covering the stems can cause itching when touched. Don't hesitate to wear gloves when repotting your plant to protect yourself.

Our maintenance tips

The more light your Fittonia albivenis receives, the more its colors will shine through. Give it a bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Its favorite spot? Behind a curtained window. On summer mornings and evenings, you can even put it out on your windowsill.

Watering

Allow the rootball to dry out to one centimeter between waterings. Water generously with non-calcareous water (rainwater, for example) at room temperature.

Drain off any excess water left in the dish or planter. It can rot the roots.

Spray

Mist foliage to increase humidity and repel pests. Always spray with rainwater. Tap water is too hard and leaves white marks on the leaves.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Fittonia albivenis to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

In a pierced pot larger than the previous one, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or pebbles. Cover with the substrate. You can mix a special potting soil for green plants or houseplants with sand or compost.

Remove your plant from its container. To help the roots take hold, gently loosen the root bun. Plant in the center of the pot and top up with potting soil.

To improve humidity, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

To encourage the growth of your Fittonia albivenis, add a little special houseplant fertilizer to the watering solution.

Prune

To control the growth of creepers on your Fittonia albivenis, you can prune the stems by about a third. Cut with a clean, sharp tool (pruning shears, scissors...) above a healthy leaf. Pruning also helps maintain a compact habit.

Remove dead leaves at the base.

Pinch

Pinch your Fittonia albivenis during its growing season.

Pinch the ends of the stems to force the plant to branch out and maintain a compact habit.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Locate a secondary stem about ten centimeters long and separate it from the main stem using scissors, a knife or pruning shears. They should be clean and sharp.

Immerse your cutting in a clear glass filled with clear water at room temperature. Make sure the nodes are submerged: they are the ones that will give rise to the roots.

Choose a bright spot, away from direct sunlight and draughts.

Don't forget to change the water regularly to keep it clean.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Acanthaceae - Acanthaceae
Type	Fittonia - Fittonia
Species	Fittonia albivenis - Fittonia albivenis
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Category	Interior
Tags	Beginner Increvable
Origins	Central America South America
Hardiness (USDA)	12a
Leaf color
Flower colors