Hypoestes phyllostachya
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Polka Dot Plant
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Taxonomy
Family Acanthaceae · Genus Hypoestes
Description
Hypoestes phyllostachya, commonly called the Polka Dot Plant, is a cheerful foliage plant known for its brightly speckled leaves in pink, red, or white. Compact and fast-growing, it shines in pots, terrariums, or as a colorful accent in shade gardens. Give it bright, indirect light and steady moisture for the best color and bushy growth.
Common Names
Polka Dot PlantFreckle FacePink DotFlamingo Plant
Context
nativeRegion
Madagascar
usdaZones
10–11 outdoors (grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere)
companionPlants
Coleus, Fittonia (Nerve Plant), Impatiens, Begonia, Caladium, Ferns
culturalUses
Used for ornamental foliage in containers, terrariums, and shaded borders; popular for indoor décor and color accents.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light with a bit of gentle morning sun; avoid harsh midday rays. Low light leads to fading and legginess.
WateringKeep evenly moist; water when the top 1–2 cm (0.5–1 in) of soil is dry. Do not let sit in water; avoid full dry-outs.
SoilWell-draining peat or coco coir mix with perlite; slightly acidic to neutral (pH ~6.0–7.0).
FertilizerDilute balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in spring–summer; monthly or none in fall–winter.
HumidityPrefers 50%+; benefits from pebble trays or a humidifier, especially in dry homes.
TemperatureIdeal 18–27°C (65–80°F); avoid below 15°C (60°F) and cold drafts.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCompact, bushy, herbaceous perennial in frost-free climates; often grown as an annual or houseplant.
Mature Size15–30 cm tall and 20–45 cm wide (6–12 in tall, 8–18 in wide).
Growth RateFast-growing.
BloomingSporadic small lavender-white flowers, mainly in warm seasons; often pinched to encourage foliage.
DormancyEvergreen in warm zones; growth slows in winter indoors but no true dormancy.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings, Seed
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for cuttings; seeds in late winter to spring.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch tips regularly to prevent legginess and flowering; trim back by one-third if stretched.
RepottingRepot annually or when rootbound; use a small step up in pot size to maintain compact growth.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs; overwatering can cause root rot; low airflow may encourage mildew.
ToxicityNon-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
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