Fittonia albivenis Pink Special - Nerve plant

The Fittonia 'Pink Special' or Mosaic plant is a cultivar of this small creeping plant native to the tropical forests of South America, prized for its unique colourful foliage. It develops abundantly veined pink to soft pink leaves on a slightly olive-green lamina. The overall impression is that the leaf is pink rather than green. Very compact, it adapts perfectly to terrarium cultivation where it benefits from high ambient humidity. It can also be grown in a small pot which it will quickly fill, its stems trailing elegantly over the sides. This plant tolerates low-light conditions.

Belonging to the Acanthaceae family like garden Acanthus, the Fittonia 'Pink Special' is derived from Fittonia albivenis. Its botanical synonym is Fittonia verschaffeltii 'Pink Special'. It is also called Nerve Plant or Mosaic Plant in reference to its ornamental, beautifully veined foliage. The Fittonia albivenis species originates from the lush tropical forests of South America, initially from regions of Colombia and Peru. This evergreen and creeping undershrub thrives under the dense canopy of forests. Indoors, it reaches a maximum height of 15 cm and spreads about 30 to 50 cm. Its ovate leaves, which can remain small or grow up to 7 cm long, display a mix of light olive green with abundant pink veins. It may occasionally produce small creamy-white tubular flowers nestled between the bracts. However, many growers prefer to remove the buds as they tend to detract from the decorative appeal of the foliage.

The Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Special' is a tropical species cultivated as a houseplant in our regions. It prefers bright indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions, slightly away from windows, always without direct sunlight, with ambient humidity above 60% and temperatures between 18 and 24°C. Avoid dropping below 15°C. Use a well-drained substrate and keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.

The Pink Nerve Plant 'Pink Special' particularly enjoys high ambient humidity, making it an excellent choice for terraria or small pots, paired with plants sharing the same requirements. With its colourful and decorative foliage, it creates an attractive plant carpet. Thanks to its creeping nature, it is also perfect for hanging baskets, where its trailing stems can be showcased. Ideal for adding a touch of exoticism and colour, it will easily fit into various spaces including bathrooms or kitchens. Pair it with plants with similar needs, like Ficus pumila, in a lovely glass terrarium.