Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Ruby' ('Pink Specik')

Where the species behind Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Ruby' ('Pink Specik') grows naturally

Fittonia albivenis is native to Bolivia, northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. It grows close to the forest floor in warm, wet tropical habitats.

Care for Fittonia albivenis ‘Pink Ruby’ (‘Pink Specik’)

• Light: Use bright filtered light to keep the pink markings clear. Screen the leaves from intense direct sun.
• Warmth: Keep temperatures around 18–24 °C. Keep temperatures above 15 °C and protect the plant from cold draughts.
• Humidity: Keep humidity in the 60–80% range and allow light air movement around the leaves. Keep the air humid around the foliage to support smooth edges and fresh growth.
• Watering: Water when the compost surface feels slightly dry, then let the pot drain fully. Keep using this surface cue if growth slows in cooler or dimmer conditions.
• Potting mix: Peat-free houseplant compost that stays lightly moist and drains well is suitable.
• Feeding: Apply a half-strength balanced feed every two to three months while the plant is growing. Hold feeding during slower growth until fresh growth returns.
• Repotting: Refresh compacted compost. Give crowded roots more room in a pot only slightly larger.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings and division both work well for established plants.

Plant Health Checks for Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Ruby' ('Pink Specik')

• Whole plant droops: Dry compost is the most likely cause. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
• Leaf edges turn crisp: Dry air or irregular moisture can cause browning. Raise humidity and keep watering consistent to prevent further browning.
• Soft yellow leaves: Waterlogged compost can damage the roots. Allow the top layer to dry lightly and improve drainage before watering again.
• Leaf spots spread: Spreading spots can point to leaf spot. Remove spotted leaves, keep the foliage dry and direct water onto the compost.
• Fine webbing, white clusters or fixed brown bumps: Spider mites, mealybugs or scale are likely causes. Check the leaves and stems, remove visible pests, then use a houseplant treatment that names the pest on the label and follow the label's repeat instructions.

Fittonia albivenis ‘Pink Ruby’ (‘Pink Specik’) 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.

About the name Fittonia albivenis

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.