Fittonia verschaffeltii

Silver Net Plant, Silver Fittonia, Silver Nerve, Nerve Plant, Mosaic Plant, Painted Net Leaf

Message of the Flower

Application

The Mother’s Comment

Modest but harmonious.

Colour

Pale yellow

Family

Acanthaceae

Cultivars

Numerous, including 'Mini White,' 'Red Anne,' 'Pink Angel'

Person who named the flower

Named after Belgian botanists Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton by Jean Jules Linden and Lucien Linden.

Flower Size

Flowers are small, often less significant compared to the foliage.

Flower Texture

Velvety

Number of Petals

Tiny petals, not the main attraction.

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral

Fragrance of Flower

Flowers are not notably fragrant.

Leaf Texture

Velvety

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green with prominent white, pink, or red veins.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous perennial.

Life Cycle

Perennial in tropics, often grown as an annual or houseplant in temperate zones.

Blooming Period

Rarely blooms indoors; flowering is sporadic.

Climate

Tropical native, prefers humid conditions.

Water Requirements

Prefers consistently moist soil; does not tolerate drought well.

Soil Type

Well-draining, rich in organic matter.

Temperature Ranges

Thrives in temperatures between 60F to 80F (15C to 26C).

Sun or Shade

Prefers bright, indirect light; variegated forms require more light to maintain color.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and root rot with overwatering.

Pollinators

Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and root rot with overwatering.

Habitat

Understory of rainforests in South America.

Role in the Ecosystem

Adds to the biodiversity of its habitat; primarily ornamental in other contexts.

Ornamental

Highly valued for its strikingly patterned foliage.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly decorative.

Endangered Status

Not considered endangered.