Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Also known as: Baby's tears, Measles plant

To enhance the vibrant colors in the leaves of the polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya), ensure it receives bright, indirect light. This common houseplant, which features variegated leaves often spotted in pink, white, or red, thrives under these conditions. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Polka dot plant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

40 cm to 50 cm

Leaf Color

Green Variegated White Red

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Purple

Images of Polka dot plant

Quickly Identify Polka dot plant

Ovate leaves with polka-dot patterns in pink, red, white, and green.

Bushy growth up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall, varying with hybrids.

Small tubular flowers in clusters, with pale pink to lavender hues.

Leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, green with lavender, red, or pink spots.

Visible vein pattern and glossy texture on leaves, making them decorative.

Scientific Classification of Polka dot plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Acanthus

Genus

Hypoestes

Species

Polka dot plant

Planting and Growing of Polka dot plant

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Polka dot plant?

When watering Hypoestes phyllostachya, ensure that you give them around 200 ml of water each time. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering. This principle helps in maintaining healthy roots and vibrant foliage.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Polka dot plant? ›

What should I do if my Polka dot plant is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Polka dot plant? ›

How to save an overwatered Polka dot plant? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Polka dot plant?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours daily

Partial sun offering morning or late afternoon light is ideal. This ensures the plant exhibits vibrant foliage and healthy growth patterns.

What is the ideal lighting condition for Hypoestes phyllostachya? ›

How to achieve ideal lighting for Hypoestes phyllostachya? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting conditions for Hypoestes phyllostachya? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Polka dot plant?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 80℉

The polka dot plant thrives best when kept in a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This range simulates the warm conditions that replicate its natural habitat in Madagascar, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

What Soil is Best for Polka dot plant?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Hypoestes phyllostachya thrives in well-draining soil that prevents waterlogging while maintaining moisture. This balance helps the plant avoid root rot and supports healthy growth. Soil enriched with organic matter, like compost, supplies essential nutrients to Hypoestes and improves soil structure. Enhanced nutrient availability promotes vibrant foliage and overall plant vigor. A soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for Hypoestes, providing access to essential nutrients. This pH range promotes optimal plant health and prevents nutrient lockout. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Polka dot plant?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When it comes to fertilizing Hypoestes phyllostachya, known as the polka dot plant, a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer is recommended. Use half the strength of the manufacturer's recommendation. This plant doesn't require heavy feeding, and over-fertilizing could harm it. Always make sure the soil is moist before applying any fertilizer to prevent root burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Polka dot plant?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by identifying and cutting away any dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth. Focus on using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Make your cuts just above a leaf node to encourage new branch growth, maintaining a compact and bushy form. Regular trimming of the tips can help the plant maintain its vibrant color and dense foliage. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Polka dot plant plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose healthy stems from the parent plant that are free from disease or pests. Ideally, select stems that are about 4-6 inches long with a few sets of leaves to ensure better propagation success.

Using clean and sharp pruning shears, make a diagonal cut just below a leaf node. This encourages better water uptake and root development at the base of the cutting.

Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, tapping off any excess powder. This step is crucial as it stimulates root growth and helps prevent rot in the cutting.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Polka dot plant plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

You should consider repotting your Hypoestes phyllostachya when you notice roots are starting to come out of the bottom of the pot. Another sign it's time is if water takes an unusually long time to drain after watering. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for repotting this plant due to its active growth phase.

Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ideally made of clay to allow breathability. This ensures proper drainage and root growth, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth. The pot should have adequate drainage holes to avoid standing water accumulation.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter such as a combination of peat, pine bark, and perlite. This soil structure allows proper airflow and drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot while retaining enough moisture for the plant's needs.

More About Repotting Techniques→

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.