Fittonia albivenis 'Forest Flame'

How Fittonia albivenis 'Forest Flame' Began

'Forest Flame' was discovered in Haaren, the Netherlands, in 2002 as a mutation of Fittonia 'Josan' that affected the whole plant. Plants grown from cuttings taken from shoot tips kept the same compact habit, small leaves and vivid red veins. The native range of Fittonia albivenis includes Bolivia, northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. The species grows low in warm, wet tropical forest in its native range.

Keeping Fittonia albivenis 'Forest Flame' in Good Condition

• Humidity: Keep humidity up around the plant, especially near heating or air conditioning.
• Water: Water as the top of the compost starts to feel lightly dry. Water thoroughly so the compost is evenly moist, then let excess water drain away.
• Light: Bright indirect light supports dense growth and clear red veins. Filter strong sun at the window.
• Warmth: Keep room temperatures above 17°C and away from cold draughts.
• Compost: Choose houseplant compost that is peat-free, holds moisture and drains freely.
• Feeding: Use a dilute balanced feed every two to three months while new leaves are growing.
• Shaping: Pinch the longest tips if the plant starts to look sparse.
• Slower growth: New leaves may appear more slowly in cooler or dimmer conditions. Continue watering once the top of the compost feels lightly dry, and pause feeding until growth resumes.
• Repotting: Refresh the compost once roots fill most of the pot or drainage slows because the mix has compacted.
• Propagation: Healthy stem-tip cuttings root well in warm, humid conditions, and established plants can also be divided.

Changes to Check on Fittonia albivenis 'Forest Flame'

• Leaves collapse quickly: Dry compost is the likely cause. Water thoroughly and let the pot drain.
• Dry, crisp or bleached areas: Low humidity, irregular moisture or direct sun through glass can damage the leaves. Improve humidity, even out watering and filter strong sun at the window.
• Yellowing with wet compost: Compost that stays wet can weaken the roots. Allow some surface drying and make sure excess water drains freely.
• Spots spread across the leaves: Spreading spots can indicate leaf spot. Discard spotted leaves, direct water onto the compost and maintain some airflow.
• Webbing, cottony clusters or fixed brown bumps: These signs can come from spider mites, mealybugs or scale. Check the leaves and stems closely and separate an affected plant where practical. Use a treatment whose label lists the pest, then repeat it at the intervals stated there.

Fittonia albivenis ‘Forest Flame’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

When was Fittonia albivenis first published, and what does it mean?

Fittonia commemorates Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton. Albivenis combines Latin albus, meaning white, with vena, meaning vein.

Henri Eugène Lucien Gaëtan Coemans established the genus Fittonia in 1865 in Journal Général d’Horticulture, volume 15, page 185.

John Gould Veitch first described it as Adelaster albivenis in 1861 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, volume 1861, page 499; John Lindley had proposed that name. Richard Kenneth Brummitt later placed it in Fittonia as Fittonia albivenis in 1979 in Botanical Magazine, volume 182, page 165.