About
The most popular cultivated species, *Fittonia albivenis*, is known for its lush, green foliage dramatically streaked with veins of white to deep pink, giving it the common name 'Nerve-Plant'. It is an ideal low-lying groundcover for shaded areas.
Field notes
Morphology
The plants are low-lying, typically growing between 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall, with flower stalks reaching 5-10 cm (1-4 in). The foliage is characterized by green leaves streaked with white to deep pink veins. Flowers are small, appearing on angular-sided bloom spikes, and are white to off-white.
Distribution & habitat
Native to tropical and subtropical forested areas in northern and western South America, mainly Perú.
Cultivation notes
The species can be easily propagated by taking cuttings, which can be rooted in water or placed directly into moist substrate like sphagnum moss, perlite, or coco fiber. They thrive in moist areas with mild, indirect but bright sunlight and prefer ambient temperatures above 55 °F (13 °C). They are notoriously thirsty and respond well to bottom watering.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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