Fittonia albivenis aka Nerveplant
Taxonomy
Fittonia albivenis, commonly referred to as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, is a species of flowering plant from the Acanthaceae family native to the rainforests of Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Brazil. This striking evergreen perennial is notable for its eye-catching dark green foliage with strongly contrasting white or red veins, which give it the common name nerve plant. It is a slow-growing species that rarely flowers indoors and is used by indigenous peoples in its native habitats to give strength to their hunting dogs. It will easily wilt if left in dry conditions, but quickly recovers when watered. In temperate regions, it must be grown as a houseplant as the temperature should not drop to below 10°C (50°F).
Common names
Nerveplant, Mosaic Plant, Angel Plant, FittoniaHow to care for Nerveplant
Difficulty
Nerveplant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Nerveplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Nerveplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Nerveplant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Nerveplant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Nerveplant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Nerveplant does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Nerveplant should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Nerveplant grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Nerveplant’s native range is Colombia and Peru.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Nerveplant blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
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