Polka Dot (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)

Overview: Hypoestes Phyllostachya is more popular as a Polka Dot Plant as it features colorful spots of different shades over green foliage. It is a small, tropical shrub plant that is native to Madagascar. The stunning, vibrant foliage makes it a popular indoor and terrarium plant. Usually, the dots or spots and speckles are in shades of pink, white, and red that contrast beautifully on the green leaves. Its colorful appearance is what makes Hypoestes Phyllostachya unique and popular. While the plant is easy to care for, you need to be attentive regarding light and watering requirements to ensure it attains its true colors.

Appearance: The leaves of the Polka Dot plant are small and oval-shaped. Often, they are variegated, having specks of red, white, and pink on green leaves. These colors vary depending on the variety and growing condition of the plant. While some plants may develop an intense pink color, others may have subtle shades of red. The height of the plant may grow around 10 to 15 inches, making it small enough to grow in terrariums. It stays bushy and small. You may also notice some small tubular flowers growing in the spring or summer season; however, they are not as showy as the vibrant foliage.

Light requirements: Bright, indirect light is most suitable for Hypoestes Phyllostachya. While the plant can tolerate low light as well, the growth will slow down and the colors of the dots or spots may fade. Likewise, exposing plant to direct light will scorch the leaves. Therefore, it will be the best to keep the plant near bright windows or under grow lights for the best result.

Soil Requirements: Well-draining, rich soil will be the best for the Polka Dot Plant. You can use the standard potting mix with either sand or perlite. It will improve the drainage and prevent water stagnation. Regarding soil pH, it should be between 6 and 7. Keeping soil too wet or too dry will put the plant under stress and hamper its growth.

Humidity: Hypoestes Phyllostachya is a tropical plant; therefore, it requires moderate to high humid conditions to survive. Too dry air will make the leaves crisp, eventually drooping off. Misting the plants during summers to keep the ambiance in the terrarium humid is essential to ensure the polka dot plant stays healthy and vigour.

Watering: When the top inch of the soil feels dry, water the plant and make the soil moist. Make sure to prevent the water logging conditions by ensuring proper drainage. Do not overwater the pot as it can create water stagnant condition, leading to root rot. Usually, during summers the soil become dry frequently as compared to the winters. So you need to water more during summers. Always check that the soil is drying out slightly before watering again to prevent overwatering.

Air circulation: Maintain proper air circulation to prevent common issues in terrariums such as fungal problems and mold. Open the lid if you are growing the plant in a closed terrarium to allow fresh air to circulate.

Trimming: Trim Hypoestes Phyllostachya regularly to maintain a compact and bushy shape. To make it appear fuller, trim the leggy growth at regular intervals. Additionally, remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves to promote healthy new growth.

Other requirements: You can supplement fertilizers during the growth season, that is, spring and summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer will do what is needed. Over-fertilization may do more harm than good. Polka Dot Plants don’t need frequent repotting. Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its pot.