The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya). This is a color rich, dense, and bushy piece of foliage. It features green ovate leaves splattered with shades of red, pink, or white.
She’s easy to care for, but a little bit picky – too much or too little light / water can cause a variety of problems. And unfortunately, this plant only has a lifespan of about 2 years. Regardless, its a great plant for anybody and can thrive with the right care.
Let’s get into it.
Climate
The Polka Dot Plant is a small, evergreen herbaceous plant native to Madagascar. It flourishes in its native environment, and with a little preparation can flourish in your home or terrarium too.
It is best kept in temperatures between 60°F-80°F, and can tolerate lower temperatures at night. It should be kept in a humid environment and away from any cold drafts.
If planted outside, it is best planted in spring and treated as an annual. If you choose to overwinter, bring the plant inside before the temperatures breach the 40s at night.
Once the plant flowers, it is probably approaching the end of its life cycle and will stop producing new growth. This usually happens in about 2 years.
Light
Like most low-growing tropical evergreens, the Polka Dot Plant prefers bright filtered light, and indirect light.
If the plant receives too little light it will become stretched and leggy, and its dappled coloring will fade away into green. On the other hand, if the sun is too intense, the leaves will crisp and burn.
The more direct sunlight you have, the more accommodations you may need to make to keep your plant humid.
Pinch off any ends that are burned and damaged, or too leggy.
Water
The Polka Dot Plant needs to remain moist and should be watered consistently when the top inch of soil is dry, as well as misted or kept on a pebble tray. Do not forget about watering this plant! Once it becomes too dry, it may be hard to recover.
When you repot, choose a pot that is at maximum 2 inches deeper and 2 inches wider. This will help encourage equal growth both above and below ground. It really doesn’t need a pot that’s more than 6 inches deep.
Fertilizer
This plant isn’t too picky about when you fertilize it – just make sure the fertilizer itself is a balanced mix, and follow the instructions on the package. Its recommended to get a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mix or a “general” houseplant fertilizer. It may be easiest to get a water soluble solution.
In the growing season, fertilize every 2-4 weeks. During dormant months like winter, fertilize every 5-8 weeks.
| Planter Size | 4″-6″ Deep |
| Water | Check & mist daily in summer, every 2-3 days in winter, water when top 1 inch is dry to the touch |
| Light | Prefers direct morning sunlight, and indirect sunlight in the afternoon |
| Mist | Yes, or pebble tray |
| Temperature | 60°F-80°F, tolerates as low as 50°F at night |
| Replant | Yearly, if needed – in a wider pot, maximum 6″ deep |
| Soil | Porous, well draining – prefers slightly acidic PH 5.8-6.2 |
| Fertilize | Every 2-4 weeks during spring. Reduce frequency for dormant months – every 5-8 weeks |
| Size | Up to 24″ – typically up to 18″. Short and bushy |
| Toxic | Nope! The polka dot plant is safe for both cats and dogs! |