How to Grow and Care for a Polka Dot Plant

Tips for growing and caring for a polka dot plant in your bathroom or terrarium

The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a vibrant, bushy plant native to southern Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Southeast Asia. In the UK, it’s a beloved houseplant, particularly well-suited for terrariums. Also known as the freckle face plant, it features strikingly variegated or spotted leaves that resemble polka dots.

Polka dot plants come in a variety of colors, including purple, white, and red variegation, though the most common variety has green leaves with pink spots. These plants thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect light. While they have a moderate growth rate, this can slow down in less-than-ideal conditions.

How to Grow a Polka Dot Plant

To grow a polka dot plant, use peat-free houseplant compost and place it in a warm, humid spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Water sparingly and remove any developing flowers to maintain the plant’s appearance. During the summer, feed it every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.

Where to Grow Polka Dot Plants

Polka dot plants prefer warm, humid environments with a minimum temperature of 15°C and humidity levels around 50%. A warm bathroom or terrarium is an excellent choice, provided there’s enough light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and may stop growing if conditions are too dark.

How to Plant a Polka Dot Plant

Use a rich, well-draining potting mix for your polka dot plant. Plant it at the same depth as it was in its original pot, water thoroughly, and allow excess water to drain away completely.

How to Care for a Polka Dot Plant

• Watering: During the growing season, water sparingly when the top 1.5cm of soil has dried out. Reduce watering in winter and resume once you notice new growth in spring.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month.
• Pruning: Remove any developing flowers to keep the plant looking its best.

How to Propagate a Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plants can be easily propagated from stem cuttings rooted in water. Follow these steps:

1. Use secateurs or scissors to cut 10cm sections of stem from the main plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
2. Place the cuttings in a glass or jar of water, ensuring only the lower portion of the stem is submerged.
3. Keep the cuttings in a bright, warm spot and replace the water weekly to keep it fresh.
4. Roots should develop within a few weeks. Once they reach about 10cm in length, pot the cuttings into peat-free, well-draining houseplant compost.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Polka dot plants may attract houseplant pests like aphids, red spider mites, and fungus gnats. Remove aphids by hand, increase humidity to deter red spider mites, and add a layer of gravel to the compost to prevent fungus gnats.
• Fading Leaves: This can result from too much or too little light. Direct sunlight may cause the variegation to fade.
• Brown or Drooping Leaves: These are signs of insufficient water or humidity. Water sparingly and move the plant to a more humid environment or mist it regularly.
• Yellow Leaves: This indicates overwatering. Stop watering immediately and check the roots for signs of root rot. Repot the plant if necessary, removing any rotting parts of the rootball.

Advice on Buying a Polka Dot Plant

Before purchasing a polka dot plant, ensure you can provide a warm, humid environment with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Always inspect plants for signs of damage or disease before bringing them home.

By following these care tips, your polka dot plant will thrive, adding a splash of color and charm to your home or terrarium!