They are spreading evergreen perennials growing 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall. They bear lush green leaves with accented veins of white to deep pink and have a short fuzz covering their stems. Small buds may appear after a time where the stem splits into leaves.
The leaves of the Fittonia are dark green, but they are much more easily recognized by their network of red or white veins covering the leaves’ surface. Fittonia normally grows in tropical rainforests and prefers to remain part of the underbrush.
Mature plants will reach up to 8″ tall and spread to fill a 1.5′ area. The deep, olive-green, ovate foliage can reach up to 4″ long and has contrasting white to red veins. The upright, terminal, spike type inflorescences can reach up to 3″ long and are made up of densely packed bracts.
