Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

Natural range behind Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

Fittonia albivenis comes from wet tropical parts of South America, including Bolivia, northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. There it grows low among sheltered forest vegetation in warm, moist conditions.

A Practical Care Routine for Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

• Water: Aim for gently moist compost and water when the surface begins to dry.
• Light: Place the plant in bright filtered light so the red vein pattern stays clear and growth remains compact.
• Temperature: A room above 17°C suits the plant; keep cold draughts away from the foliage.
• Humidity: Keep humidity higher around the leaves, especially in heated rooms.
• Compost: Peat-free houseplant compost should hold moisture well and let excess water drain.
• Feeding: Give a light balanced feed every few months while fresh leaves are forming.
• Pruning: Pinch long tips back to a leaf joint to encourage fresh side shoots.
• Slower growth: Cooler, darker conditions may reduce the pace of growth. Continue to water once the compost surface begins to dry, and wait to feed until fresh leaves are forming again.
• Repotting: Repot into fresh compost when roots become tightly packed or the old mix drains slowly.
• Propagation: Stem-tip cuttings root well in warm, humid conditions, and established plants can also be divided.

Troubleshooting Signs on Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

• Limp foliage: Very dry compost can make the leaves droop quickly. Give the pot a thorough watering and allow excess water to drain.
• Brown leaf tips: Dry air and uneven watering are common causes. Improve humidity and keep watering more consistent.
• Yellowing with compost that stays wet: Constantly damp compost can weaken the roots. Allow a little surface drying and make sure excess water drains from the pot.
• Dark or spreading leaf spots: Leaf spot can cause these marks. Remove the affected leaves, keep water off the foliage and improve airflow around the plant.
• Pale speckles, webbing, cottony growth or fixed bumps: Spider mites, mealybugs or scale may be present. Choose a product labelled for the pest and follow its directions for repeat treatment.

Fittonia albivenis ‘Joly Josan Red’ 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.

How did Fittonia albivenis get its name?

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.