Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka Dot Plant Plant Features

Polka dot plant is one of the cheeriest foliage plants around -- and most colorful. This beauty shows off red, pink, or white leaves marked with splashes of dark green. Polka dot plant forms a relatively low mound of foliage that looks good by itself or outstanding when mixed with other plants such as calathea that have fun foliage.

Get the most from polka dot plant's bright color by growing it a pot that contrasts or complements the colorful foliage. And try mixing polka-dot plant varieties for a fun look; red and white varieties, for example, are fun for the holidays. 

Polka Dot Plant Questions?
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Polka Dot Plant Growing Instructions

Grow polka dot plant in a bright or medium-light spot. It can tolerate bright spots indoors and doesn't mind a little direct sun on its foliage. Polka dot plant tolerates low light fairly well, too, but we don't recommend growing it in low-light spots for extended periods because it can grow tall and lanky. 

Water polka dot plant enough to keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy). This colorful houseplant will wilt if it dries out too much, but is quick to spring back to life when you water it again. 

If polka dot plant gets too tall, you can prune it back at any time. A little haircut helps keep polka dot plant a small and bushy houseplant. 

Fertilize polka dot plant once or twice a year -- at minimum -- with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. You can feed this colorful houseplant more often, just be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging. 

Like many houseplants, polka dot plant also does well outdoors in shady spots in garden beds, borders, and containers. 

Note: Polka dot plant is not meant for human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Pink

    Red

    Variegated

    White

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

    Purifies the air

Complement your Polka Dot Plant

Elephant's Ear
African mask plant has a bold texture that makes a stunning counterpoint to polka dot plant's speckled foliage.

Oyster Plant
Oyster plant is a lovely partner with strappy leaves to pair with polka dot plant's rounded foliage.

Devil's Backbone
Devil's backbone has attractive, interesting stems. Mix it with polka dot plant's attractive and interesting leaves.