Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red' is a small nerve plant with dark green leaves crossed by red to pink-red veins. Its creeping stems stay low and slowly cover the pot surface.

This cultivar has fine shallow roots and soft leaves that react quickly to dry substrate, dry indoor air and cold placement. Keep it warm, bright but filtered, and lightly moist at the roots. A breathable mix gives the roots moisture without trapping them in heavy wet compost.

Dark leaves with clear red veining

When the stems stay short, the red veins show clearly against the dark green leaves. In weak light, the plant stretches and the vein colour looks weaker. Direct sun can leave dry marks on the thin leaves.

'Joly Josan Red' is a red-veined plant from the 'Joly Josan' line. 'Joly Josan' was selected in Haaren, the Netherlands, in 2002 as a mutation of Fittonia 'Josan'. It has less wavy leaf margins and stronger vein colour than 'Josan'.

Care for 'Joly Josan Red'

• Light: Give bright indirect light. Too little light opens the growth and makes the vein colour less clear.
• Water: Keep the substrate lightly and evenly moist. Do not let the full root ball dry through, especially in a small pot.
• Humidity: Moist air reduces dry brown edges and helps the thin leaves stay flat. Dry indoor air shows quickly on this cultivar.
• Substrate: Use a fine, breathable, moisture-retentive mix. Coco fibre, fine bark and perlite keep moisture available while leaving air around the roots.
• Temperature: Keep above 17°C and protect from cold glass, draughts and sudden temperature drops.
• Maintenance: Trim long stems before the plant gets sparse. Healthy tips can be rooted near the base to thicken the plant.
• Repotting: Move up only slightly when roots fill the pot. A container that is too large keeps the root zone wet for too long.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth. Strong fertiliser can stress a small Fittonia with fine shallow roots.

Problems to check on 'Joly Josan Red'

• Fast wilting: The root ball is usually dry. Water thoroughly, drain the pot and keep humidity higher while the leaves recover.
• Open, loose stems: Move it to brighter filtered light and trim long stems so the plant branches closer to the base.
• Weaker vein contrast: Low light, stretched stems or uneven watering can make the veins look weaker.
• Yellow limp leaves: Check for wet, airless substrate, blocked drainage or a pot that stays damp for too long.
• Brown dry edges: Look for dry air, missed watering, hot glass, direct sun or heat from a radiator.
• Soft stems or mould: Closed humid setups need airflow. Remove affected growth and avoid keeping the foliage constantly wet.
• Pests: Mealybugs, scale and spider mites can hide in dense stems and around leaf joints.

Pet safety

Fittonia is considered non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Loose trimmings should still be removed because chewed plant pieces can irritate the stomach.