Fittonia verschaffeltii (fi-TOE-ni-a ver-shaf-FEL-tie) is a beautiful plant grown and cultivated for its unique leaves.
They are commonly sold as houseplants in the United States, but in their native habitat of Peru, they are wild on the forest floor.
Requiring low light makes the Fittonia verschaffeltii a relatively easy-to-maintain houseplant. However, the plant needs warmer temperatures and high humidity to thrive.
The plant is commonly referred to as a Snakeskin plant because of the unique markings on its leaves.
Some plants have green leaves with red veins, while others have white markings. However, both colors are Fittonia verschaffeltii plants.
Because of their need for high humidity, the Snakeskin plant does well in terrariums and dish gardens.
You can also add humidity by consistently misting the leaves with water or placing the pot on a gravel plate with water.
While most people in the US grow Snakeskin plants indoors, you can plant them outside if you live in Zone 11.
This zone’s warmer temperatures and high humidity allow the plant to thrive as long as it is planted in an area with low light.
However, like many plants, the Snakeskin plant’s leaves can burn if they receive direct sunlight.
Fittonia Verschaffeltii also goes by several common names, including:
- Red Nerve Plant
- Snakeskin Plant
- Mosaic Plant
- Nerve Plant
- Silver Nerve
- Painted Net Leaf
Quick Facts On Fittonia Verschaffeltii:
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Light: Dappled sunlight or low light
- Temperature: 70° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water regularly with lukewarm water
- Fertilizer: Diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks
- Propagation: Rooted sections
- Common Problems: Mildew, withered leaves, snails, aphids
Fittonia Verschaffeltii Care
What Does The Red Nerve Plant Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
The Red Nerve plant is a relatively compact plant growing only to a height of 4″ inches.
The plant is known for its unique leaves, with one variety of Fittonia verschaffeltii having green leaves with red markings, while another has green leaves with white markings. Both are very striking plants.
Red Nerve plant stays relatively small when planted indoors, making it a popular houseplant for terrariums, dining room centerpieces, or a bookshelf.
When Does The Red Nerve Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Red Nerve plant flowers in the summer, with its large spikes growing from the plant with white or yellow blooms. If grown indoors, the plant may not flower.
Fittonia verschaffeltii may flower if grown outdoors, but it’s not the main attraction for the plant. The blooms are relatively insignificant and have no scent.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Because of the Snakeskin plant’s native habitat of Peru, it thrives in warm, humid, and low light conditions.
In Peru, the Snakeskin plant grows wild on the moist forest floor, with dappled light.
If you live in Zone 11, you can successfully plant the Fittonia verschaffeltii outdoors without extra maintenance.
However, in all other zones, it’s probably best as a houseplant, where you can control the temperature, humidity, and light.
The best temperature range for Fittonia verschaffeltii is between 70° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its low light needs, the plant does not need to be next to a window.
However, the plant does have high humidity requirements, so it may be a good idea to keep it in a terrarium.
Otherwise, you can mist the leaves consistently or place the pot on a tray with pea gravel and water.
To ensure year-round success, you may want to move Fittonia verschaffeltii away from the front and back doors, where it can get drafty during the winter.
In addition, it’s probably a good idea to move it away from air vents.
How and When To Water and Fertilize The Red Nerve Plant?
The Red Nerve or Snakeskin plant lives in a moist environment in its native habitat, so it does well with consistent watering.
While some plants have roots that grow deep into the soil, the Red Nerve plant has very shallow roots.
Therefore, the roots will not have enough water if the soil dries even slightly. However, the Snakeskin plant thrives with consistent watering with lukewarm water.
In addition to consistent watering, Fittonia verschaffeltii does best by feeding twice a month with diluted liquid fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For Fittonia Verschaffeltii, And When Should You Transplant?
Fittonia Verschaffeltii or Snakeskin plant fares best if planted in well-drained soil.
For example, you can use standard potting soil and mix it with coarse sand and peat.
This combination will allow the soil to drain effectively and not let excess water damage the roots.
Although the plant is relatively short-lived, you probably want to repot it every couple of years for fresh soil and nutrients.
Because of the plant’s shallow roots, it does best in a broad, shallow pot.
Does Fittonia Verschaffeltii Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Although the Snakeskin plant is somewhat high maintenance regarding humidity and temperature, it’s effortless to take care of in regards to grooming.
Fittonia verschaffeltii does not need to be trimmed or pruned back unless damaged or dead leaves exist.
How To Propagate A Fittonia Plant?
In the wild, the Fittonia or Mosaic plant propagates on its own because the plant roots as the stems grow.
However, you will need to propagate because the plant is short-lived indoors.
While the Mosaic plant can be propagated by seed, there’s no reason to do so because stem cutting is much easier.
Here’s what you can do:
- First, take cuttings in the spring when growth is at its peak.
- Cut long stems for the best success, but don’t take too many from the parent plant to leave it bare.
- Next, remove the bottom leaves from the stem cuttings. Leave one or two pairs of leaves at the top of the stem.
- While rooting hormone isn’t required, it may help. Dip the stem cuttings into rooting hormones if you have one.
- Place the cuttings into small pots with pre-moistened, well-draining soil.
- Until the cuttings take root, place a plastic bag or a glass jar over the small pots.
- Within a month, your cuttings should take root, and you can remove the plastic bag or jars from the pots.
Enjoy your new Mosaic plant!
Nerve Plant Pests And Diseases
Thankfully, the Nerve plant isn’t susceptible to diseases or pests but may have an occasional aphid infestation.
If that happens, you can try to spray the leaves to remove the aphids or use an insecticide for aphid removal.
The most common issues with Nerve plants are caused by dry soil or dry air. For example, if the leaves on your Nerve plant look withered or brown, it’s possible that it’s not getting enough water or it’s not getting enough humidity.
In addition, grey patches of mildew may form on the Mosaic plant’s leaves if it does not have enough humidity. In this case, temporarily place plastic over the plant to increase the moisture.
Suggested Fittonia Verschaffeltii Uses
If you live in Zone 11, you can plant the Fittonia Verschaffeltii or Painted net leaf outdoors as a groundcover.
The Painted net leaf will thrive if planted in low light and receives adequate moisture and humidity.
It’s also small enough to fit on desks or nightstands, making it an excellent choice for settings that need a small burst of color.
Make an impression on a coffee or entry table by grouping three or more plants in complementary containers.
In addition, because of its moisture needs, the Painted net leaf also does well in kitchens and bathrooms.