Here are two delightful foliage creepers that keep their miniature proportions, although the large-leaved form of the first often covers large walls in the South.
pumila minima—Tiny valentine leaves patterned and crinkled with a network of sunken veins, deep green and refreshing.
radicans variegata—Much larger, slim pointed leaves basically silvery green, but marked with creamy white, starting at the edge and blending off irregularly. Like many variegated plants, it’s not very vigorous and thus is suitable for terrariums, where it will get the humidity it needs.
CARE. Warm, needs fresh air, loamy soil, filtered sun, moist.
PROPAGATION. Division of the rooting stems.
SPECIAL USES. Terrariums, hanging baskets, outdoors in the South.
Fittonia verschaffelti Acanthaceae Nerve or Mosaic Plant
Flat-creeping tropical plants with jewel-like foliage netted with veins of contrasting color. The oval or rounded paper-thin leaves may be large—up to two inches long—but the plants grow slowly and seldom exceed dwarf proportions, particularly if there are any slugs within miles. Fittonias are one of the critters’ favorite foods.
You have a choice of three color schemes: The species is dark green with carmine veins; its variety argyroneura is emerald with silver; the variety pearcei, light green with pink.
CARE. Warm, humid, loamy soil, filtered sun, moist.