Red Tabby Nerve Plant | Fittonia albivenis | 70mm Nursery Pot

Product Description

Small plant, seriously bold personality! The Red Tabby Nerve Plant might be tiny, but it certainly knows how to make an impression. With its rich green leaves covered in an intricate network of vibrant pink and red veins, this colourful little beauty brings a burst of tropical charm to even the smallest spaces.

Botanically known as Fittonia albivenis 'Red Tabby', this eye-catching variety features compact, softly textured foliage with striking contrasting colours. Its naturally low-growing, spreading habit makes it a wonderful choice for terrariums, miniature plant displays and decorative pots where its intricate leaf patterns can really shine.

A lover of humidity and consistent moisture, the Red Tabby thrives in warm, sheltered environments that recreate its tropical rainforest origins. It's particularly well suited to enclosed terrariums, where the higher humidity helps keep its delicate foliage looking fresh and vibrant. Perfect for plant lovers who appreciate the little details, this miniature beauty proves that great things really do come in small packages!

Why You'll Love It

• Vibrant pink-red veins create a striking contrast against rich green foliage.

• Compact, low-growing habit makes it perfect for smaller spaces and miniature displays.

• An excellent choice for enclosed terrariums and humidity-loving plant collections.

• Beautifully detailed leaves add colour and texture to any indoor arrangement.

• Pet-friendly foliage makes it a lovely option for homes with cats and dogs.

The Details

• Botanical Name: Fittonia albivenis 'Red Tabby'

• Common Name: Red Tabby Nerve Plant

• Pot Size: 70mm Nursery Pot

• Plant Type: Evergreen tropical groundcover

Light

Prefers medium to bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate slightly lower light conditions. A position with gentle, filtered natural light will help maintain its vibrant foliage and encourage compact, healthy growth.

Avoid direct sunlight, particularly harsh afternoon sun, as its delicate leaves can scorch or become discoloured. In very low light, growth may become slower and the striking red and pink markings may appear less vibrant.

When grown in a terrarium, position it somewhere that receives plenty of ambient light without exposing the glass to direct sunlight, which can cause temperatures inside to rise quickly.

Watering

The Red Tabby Nerve Plant prefers consistently lightly moist soil and doesn't appreciate drying out completely. Allow just the very surface of the potting mix to begin drying before watering again, keeping the root zone comfortably moist without becoming waterlogged.

Fittonias are famously dramatic when thirsty! Their leaves can quickly wilt when the soil becomes too dry, although they will often perk up again after a thorough watering if caught early.

When grown in an enclosed terrarium, watering requirements are generally much lower because moisture is recycled within the environment. Monitor the soil and condensation levels carefully to avoid excessive moisture and root rot.

Feeding

Feed year-round with a heavily diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage healthy foliage and steady growth.

Fittonias are relatively light feeders, particularly when grown in small pots or terrariums, so a gentle approach is best. Adjust feeding frequency according to the plant's growth rate, reducing applications during cooler periods when growth naturally slows.

For enclosed terrariums, fertilising should be minimal, as excessive nutrients can encourage rapid growth and cause a build-up of salts within the growing environment.

Growing

The Red Tabby Nerve Plant is a naturally compact, spreading tropical plant that forms a dense carpet of beautifully patterned foliage. Its small leaves and low-growing habit make it particularly well suited to terrariums, bottle gardens and miniature indoor landscapes.

Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, Fittonias naturally grow along the forest floor, where they enjoy filtered light, warm temperatures and consistently humid conditions.

It thrives in moderate to high humidity and prefers temperatures between approximately 18–27°C. Avoid cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and positions near heaters or air conditioners, which can quickly dry out its delicate foliage.

Grow in a moisture-retentive but well-draining potting mix that provides a balance of aeration and consistent moisture. A quality tropical indoor mix is ideal, while terrarium plantings benefit from a suitable drainage layer and careful moisture management.

Occasional pinching or trimming of longer stems can help maintain a compact, bushy appearance and encourage fresh growth.

Pet Friendly?

Yes! Fittonia albivenis is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making the Red Tabby Nerve Plant a wonderful choice for pet-friendly homes.

As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing on the foliage, as consuming plant material can occasionally cause mild digestive upset.

Good to Know

The Red Tabby Nerve Plant gets its common name from the intricate network of brightly coloured veins running through its leaves, creating a pattern that resembles a delicate nervous system.

One of the most interesting things about Fittonias is their dramatic response to dry soil. They can appear perfectly happy one moment and dramatically wilt the next! While they often recover quickly after watering, repeated wilting can stress the plant, so consistent moisture is the key to keeping them looking their best.

Its love of humidity makes it a particularly good candidate for enclosed terrariums, where the stable environment helps prevent the crispy leaf edges that can sometimes develop in dry indoor air.

The 70mm size is perfect for adding a splash of colour to a miniature plant arrangement, filling a small decorative pot or creating a lush, tropical scene inside a terrarium.

• We photograph as many of our plants as possible; however, some listings may occasionally use supplier images.

• As plants are living things, every plant is unique and natural variations in size, colour and fullness should be expected.

• The plant you receive may not be the exact one pictured, but we'll always hand-pick a beautiful, healthy plant we'd happily display in our own home.

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