White Tiger Snakeskin Plant

White Tiger Snakeskin Plant (Fittonia 'White Tiger') is a small, spreading foliage plant about 10cm tall that creeps out to 50cm wide. Its dark green leaves carry bold, feathered white stripes, which is where the tiger comes in. It is made for terrariums, tabletops and shady corners indoors, and for underplanting in warm, humid gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Bold white stripes. Feathered white veins on dark green give strong contrast, and it reads clearly even in a dim corner.
• A creeping habit. It spreads low and wide, filling gaps at the base of larger pots and trailing softly over edges.
• Terrarium sized. It is small enough for a terrarium or tabletop dish and happy in a glass container.
• Happy in filtered light. It enjoys bright but not too sunny conditions, so it suits rooms without direct sun and shaded garden beds.
• Pet friendly. Snakeskin plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Terrariums and tabletops. Plant it in a glass terrarium or a shallow bowl. It likes warmth and humidity, and the contrasting stripes look especially sharp against moss or stones.

Pots indoors. Use it as a ground-level filler beneath taller houseplants in a big pot. It spreads to cover the soil.

Underplanting in warm gardens. In tropical and subtropical gardens, plant 30cm apart beneath shrubs in bright filtered shade, where it makes a pale carpet.

Growing White Tiger Snakeskin Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Choose indirect or filtered sunlight. It likes warmth, humidity and brightness without harsh sun, and it needs 15°C or above, so outdoors it is a plant for frost-free tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler regions grow it indoors.

Soil. Use moisture-retaining soil or a good quality potting mix. Drainage still matters, so let any excess water escape.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks and keep it up afterwards, allowing the mix to dry out a little between waterings. If it wilts, give it a good soak. Mist when the air is dry, and apply a slow release nitrogen-rich fertiliser every three months.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Remove old leaves as they age, and pinch back any long stems that stray over the edge of the pot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Tiger Snakeskin Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and starts creeping once it is settled in a warm, humid position. Expect a full tabletop planting after a season or so.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our fittonia range
• Indoor plants for low light
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Indoor plants that are friendly to pets

Common questions

How big does White Tiger get?

About 10cm tall and up to 50cm wide, spreading across the soil rather than standing up. That makes it a good groundcover for pots and terrariums.

Can I leave it in a bright window?

Bright is good, but not direct sun. A few hours of hot sun scorches the leaves, so choose a spot with filtered light.

Is it safe if my cat chews it?

Snakeskin plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but any plant can upset an animal that eats a lot of it.