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Fittonia albivenis

Image of Fittonia albivenis

James Burghardt

Family

Acanthaceae

Botanical Name

Fittonia albivenis

Plant Common Name

Mosaic Plant, Nerveplant

General Description

Vibrant green foliage with ornate netting and white veins lend delicate beauty to this coveted tropical groundcover. Mosaic plant is a low, spreading, frost-tender perennial native to tropical South America. It only prospers in areas with ample warmth and tropical humidity but is otherwise very easy to grow.

Each small, rounded, oval leaf is medium to dark green and intricately laced with thin, white veins. Cultivars often have leaf veins that are blushed in shades of pink, red or peach. The dense leaves are opposite to each other on the stems, which give the plant a tidy, geometrical look. Insignificant flowers occasionally appear, usually in the warm season, and range in color from white to red.

Grow mosaic plant in bright filtered light, or partial shade, and moist, very well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. High ambient humidity is important from spring to autumn for the finest foliar display. Where hardy, grow it as a lush, luminous groundcover under the shade of rain forest trees or a building. It makes a great houseplant and even looks good in hanging baskets or planted as a seasonal annual in temperate regions.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    11 - 13

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade

  • Height

    5"-8" / 12.7cm - 20.3cm

  • Width

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    South America, Brazil

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Mat-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Magenta

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    White, Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    White, Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No