Fittonia Albivenis Skeleton

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Skeleton Nerve Plant; White Lace Fittonia

Synonyms

Fittonia verschaffeltii; Fittonia argyroneura; Gymnostachyum verschaffeltii

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Peru, South America (tropical rainforests)

Habitat

Understory of tropical rainforests, growing on shaded, humid forest floor beneath taller trees

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Carpeting

Max height

2 – 6 in (5.1 – 15 cm)

Spread

18 in (46 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Foreground, Carpet, Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C)

pH

4.5 – 6.5

Light

Medium

CO₂

Not needed

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green, Red, Pink, Cream

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings, Rhizome division, Plantlets

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Care guide

Overview

Fine white veins spread across dark green leaves in a lace-like, skeletal network, distinguishing this cultivar from the bolder-veined forms. Like other nerve plants it creeps low and forms a dense mat in high-humidity terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. It wilts fast in dry air and needs evenly moist, never soggy, substrate.

Care

Nerve plant does best in a closed or high-humidity terrarium or paludarium where moisture stays consistent, since dry room air causes it to wilt quickly and recover slowly. Give it filtered or dappled light rather than direct sun, which scorches the thin leaves, and keep temperatures in the mid-60s to upper 70s F. Substrate should stay evenly moist but not waterlogged, as soggy soil leads to stem and root rot.

Planting & trimming

Plant in a loamy, well-drained but moisture-retentive substrate such as a peat-based terrarium mix, setting stems shallowly so lower nodes can root as the plant creeps along the surface. It can also be grown loosely on damp substrate or tucked among rocks and wood in the foreground of a vivarium rather than mounted like a true epiphyte. Pinch growing tips periodically to encourage a denser, bushier mat and remove the small insignificant flower spikes if foliage display is the priority.

Fertilizing

A light dose of balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to quarter strength every few weeks during active growth supports the dense foliage without pushing rapid leggy growth. Root tabs are unnecessary in typical peat-based terrarium substrates as long as the mix contains some organic matter. Pale or yellowing leaves often signal either overwatering or a need for more consistent feeding rather than a specific nutrient deficiency.

Propagation

Propagates readily from stem cuttings placed in moist substrate or water, rooting quickly at the leaf nodes under humid conditions. Layering also works well since trailing stems root naturally wherever they touch damp soil. Clumps can additionally be divided at the base and replanted to fill out other areas of a terrarium.

Problems

Wilting is the most common visible stress response and usually indicates a drop in humidity or substrate moisture rather than disease. Overly wet, poorly drained substrate promotes stem and root rot, seen as blackened, mushy bases and yellowing leaves. Leaf edges that brown or curl typically point to direct sun exposure or air that is too dry for extended periods.

Sources

1. How to grow fittonia / RHS Growing Guide
2. NParks | Fittonia albivenis (Verschaffeltii Group)
3. Fittonia Albivenis "Nerve Plant" Care Guide | Tropical Plants
4. How to Grow and Care for Nerve Plant

Varieties in the catalog

Fittonia AlbivenisFittonia Albivenis Red

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