Fittonia verschaffeltii ‘Mini Red Vein’

Common names: Mini Red Nerve Plant, Mosaic Plant
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Tropical rainforests of South America (Peru–Colombia region)

Overview

Fittonia verschaffeltii ‘Mini Red Vein’ is a compact, dwarf cultivar of the nerve plant, valued for its deep green leaves etched with vivid red to pink veins. Compared to standard Fittonia, this variety stays smaller, denser, and slower-growing, making it ideal for terrariums, bottle gardens, and small decorative pots.

Appearance

• Leaf size: 1–2.5 cm (very small)

• Leaf color: Dark green with bright red/pink veining

• Texture: Soft, thin, slightly velvety

• Growth habit: Creeping, mat-forming, low profile

• Mature height: 5–8 cm (2–3 inches)

• Spread: 15–25 cm with time

Its miniature scale and intense vein contrast are its defining traits.

Light Requirements

• Ideal: Bright indirect light

• Acceptable: Medium light

• Avoid: Direct sun (fades red veins, scorches leaves)

More indirect light = stronger red coloration. Low light causes duller veins and legginess.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist

• Water when the surface just begins to dry

• Never allow soil to dry out completely

• Ensure excellent drainage to avoid root rot

Like all Fittonias, it may dramatically wilt when thirsty but usually rebounds after watering.

Humidity (Very Important)

• Ideal humidity: 65–85%+

• Thrives in:

  • Closed or semi-closed terrariums

  • Humid vivariums

  • Propagation boxes

• In open air, use:

  • Humidifier

  • Grouping with other plants

Low humidity causes:

• Leaf curling

• Crispy edges

• Sudden collapse

Temperature

• Best range: 18–28°C (65–82°F)

• Minimum: 15°C (59°F)

• Sensitive to:

  • Cold drafts

  • Air conditioning

  • Sudden temperature swings

Soil

Use a fine, moisture-retentive but airy mix:

• Coco coir or peat moss

• Perlite

• Fine orchid bark or leaf compost

Soil must stay moist but never soggy.

Fertilization

• Light feeder

• Use balanced liquid fertilizer at ¼ strength

• Every 3–4 weeks during spring–summer

• Skip feeding in winter

Overfertilization dulls color and damages roots.

Pruning & Growth Control

• Pinch tips frequently to maintain dense, cushion-like growth

• Trim leggy runners and replant cuttings

• Flowers are insignificant—remove to preserve foliage energy

Propagation

Extremely easy.

Stem cuttings:

1. Cut below a leaf node

2. Remove bottom leaves

3. Root in:

   • Water

   • Moist sphagnum moss

   • Soil

4. Roots appear in 7–14 days

Common Problems

Toxicity

• Non-toxic to pets and humans

Terrarium & Vivarium Use

Excellent terrarium plant:

• Stays compact

• Creeps attractively across soil or moss

• Ideal for nano and closed systems

⚠️ Not an aquatic plant
It can survive with roots in very wet substrate but cannot live submerged.

Fittonia verschaffeltii vs Fittonia albivenis

• ‘Mini Red Vein’: smaller, red veins, more humidity-sensitive

• Green Fittonia: larger leaves, slightly more tolerant of household air

Summary

Fittonia verschaffeltii ‘Mini Red Vein’ is best suited for:

• Terrariums & bottle gardens

• High-humidity indoor environments

• Decorative accent plants in small containers

It rewards consistent care with intense color and dense growth, but demands moisture and humidity discipline.