Whether in a terrarium, pot or planter, this is one of my favorite plants to place around my home. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, any plant can cause unexpected reactions in animals and certain people. Your email address will not be published. Some third parties require your consent to collect data to serve you personalized content and ads. Once the seedlings are about three weeks old, they are ready to be planted in their destination pot or spot in your garden. They also work well when placed in front of ivy covered or living walls. Polka dot plants enjoy a constantly moist soil, without it being soggy. Like many houseplants, the Hypoestes phyllostachya is prone to root rot if overwatered and so it is much better to underwater the plant as opposed to overwatering it. Simply place the seeds on the surface of warm, moist, rich soil and spray them every day to keep them watered. Depending on a climate zone and growing conditions Hypoestes Sanguinolenta plant can be both annual and perennial plant. Watering The unusually bright daylight is the ideal place inside this plant. See more ideas about plant care, plants, house plants. You can propagate polka dot plants from cuttings. All information we gather, both personally and non-personally identifiable, is stored in systems and databases managed only by the YouHadMeAtGardening.com team. In its native habitat, the plant can grow up to 3 feet tall, but the commercially produced selections are usually smaller and suitable for growing indoors. Take a clipping about 5 inches long and dip the end in rooting hormone. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. However, if the alterations made affect your personal data in any way, you will be notified immediately by email, on our homepage, or here. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. After the flowering, the plant usually goes dormant or dies, which is a major drawback of these lovely plants. Polka dot plants are not especially difficult to grow, and their main drawback is their relatively short lifespan. The only personally identifiable information we collect is your name and e-mail address only when leaving comments if you’re a visitor, or when submitting content and leaving comments, if you’re a contributor. Find the most popular five listed below! Strive for a healthy amount of sunlight for best results. Polka Dot Plant(Hypoestes Sanguinolenta), sometimes called Freckle Face is an exceptionally decorative ornamental plant. These plants are very gentle and sensitive to frost and won’t grow well in temperatures bellow 55 degrees. Care Lighting. Our systems gather personally and non-personally identifiable information from visitors of the YouHadMeAtGardening.com website. Indirect light, partial shade and low-light positions suit best for Polka dot plant. However, if you are not comfortable with providing your personally identifiable information to us, you can also use an alias instead of your real name and e-mail address without breaking any rules or regulations currently in use. Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya), also known as freckle face plant, is a popular indoor plant (though it can be grown outdoors in warmer climates) grown for its attractive foliage.In fact, this is where the plant’s name derived, as its leaves are dotted with splotches of color—from white to green, pink, or red. This plant likes attention and requires a regular grooming. Cane begonias have these a-symmetrical angel wing leaves growing on long bamboo-like stems. If you choose to opt in for our newsletter, we will also use your information to keep in touch. I’m Kate, your friendly neighbourhood plant parent with a passion for every green leaf under the sun (and some red or purple, why not?). Try a slow-release fertilizer as well and see which works best. Your email address will not be published. The plant has variegated oval leaves, dotted with freckles in different colors and shades. This Site is affiliated with CMI Marketing, Inc., d/b/a CafeMedia (“CafeMedia”) for the purposes of placing advertising on the Site, and CafeMedia will collect and use certain data for advertising purposes. As a result, it's best to buy new ones every spring and attempt to propagate a new plant. The freckle face plant gets small flowers and produce seed in perfect conditions. They’re known for being “dramatic” – wilting completely when they want water and perking back up quickly after they get it. Within the basic Polka dot species, there are dozens of varieties and selections. Polka Dot Plant (hypoestes phyllostachya) is a beautiful foliage plant with spotted leaves, which is a small plant, but compared to other plants … Here I combine my passion for writing with my love for gardening and bring you tips, tricks and cool ideas! The stunning and vivid foliage is the main reason for the widespread popularity of Polka Dot in landscaping design, but it’s also grown as a houseplant that provides a great visual interest to the home. Regular mixes for container plants, vegetables or herbs can be used. Crinkly and curled leaves are the common issue with Polka dot plants which occur when the plant is gaining too much sun. Though there are statements that Polka dot plant is poisonous, it is actually considered safe and non-toxic plant. Southern gardeners should consider the polka dot begonia a shade plant, but those in colder climes can put them in bright windows with limited direct morning or afternoon sun. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Most potting mixes should be good, but take a look at this list to find the best one. It prefers partial shade, in slightly acidic to acidic soil, meaning it will appreciate your coffee grinds. ©2018-2020 YouHadMeAtGardening.com | All rights reserved. Keep the soil moist, but don’t let your plant sits in its water. Fortunately, it is easily propagated at any time of the year, but you have to be patient since these are the slow growers. However, know that the YouHadMeAtGardening.com team will never share your information with other parties in exchange for financial rewards or any other kind of benefits. Bright, indirect light is ideal for polka dot plant care. Direct light and hot sun can cause leaves to curl up and to develop unattractive brown marks. For enhanced leaf coloring the Polka Dot Plant should be placed bright to part sunny. It will also prevent the plant getting too leggy and will encourage a more bushy form. But, if you grow it outdoors, Polka dot plant will complete its life cycle within a year. Polka dot plants are easy to propagate. This type grows between 12 and 36 inches tall and is best grown in containers. Do you already have a polka dot plant, or plan on getting one? It grows to about 12×12 inches in size. We want to know which pages and sections of our website satisfy your needs and are of real value to you and which ones need improvement so we can make the proper adjustments. When the plant is overwatered, leaves go yellow and eventually start do drop. Although polka dot plants are on the list of easy-to-care-for houseplants, following a few care tips will help your plant thrive. The polka dot plant can reach a height and spread of 3ft if grown in optimal conditions. Polka dot plant produces small, insignificant, purple flowers. Besides curling leaves, direct sunlight can cause leaves freckles to shrink. Just observe carefully the colors of leaves and you’ll know whether your plant is happy. Required fields are marked *. This beautiful house plant looks great in any home. Learn how to stop killing your plants and turn your garden into a lush, thriving haven. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but if you have to pick between not watering enough and watering too much, go for the former. Indoors, polka dot plants are evergreen. Polka Dot Plant Care: All About Polka Dot Plant. Our team reserves the right to alter this privacy policy with no prior notice to you. We can help you grow the indoor garden of your dreams. The non-personally identifiable information we collect is your IP address, ISP information, device and browser info, and your browsing patterns – specifically the pages and websites you visit. Mix a layer of compost or organic fertilizer in the soil before planting and use a liquid fertilizer once a month during growth season. Water it thoroughly and sprinkle leaves with water occasionally. Polka Dot Plant(Hypoestes Sanguinolenta), sometimes called Freckle Face is an exceptionally decorative ornamental plant. By continuing to use this website, you implicitly agree to this policy; if you do not agree to some or all of the procedures listed on this page, you can opt out at any time, however, you might not enjoy the intended browsing experience. Let us discuss how to plant, grow, and care Polka Dot Plant in your garden. • Log files: These tools record browser and device information, browsing patterns, websites that referred you to the YouHadMeAtGardening.com website, pages our website referred you to, and other types of non-personally identifiable information. Ideally, it lives on a table in a south-facing room, away from the window, or in an east-facing room. Keep your polka undercover, and if you live in an area with moderate winters, wrap burlap around the plant at night before it gets cold. Polka dot plant (hypoestes phyllostachya) How to Grow Polka dot plant, Growing polka dot plant indoors, Seed propagation, polka dot plant care, and pets problem then read the following article. Too much or too little light will fade the patterns off the leaves, so move your plant around every 2-3 months until you find the perfect spot for it. Subscribe today! Proper care for your splash plant also helps it retain its bushy shape and attractive features. ASPCA warns that mild vomiting and diarrhea may occur if pet ingests the parts of Polka dot plant. Take a look at this spotted beauty! Regular pruning is a must for both perennial and annual forms. We also use your information to make sure the website is properly displayed on your device and browser. These cookies do not store any personal information. Polka Dot Plant Care & Watering Guide Watering your Polka Dot Plant. There are many types of polka dot plant. In order to run a successful website, we and certain third parties are setting cookies and accessing and storing information on your device for various purposes. Information YouHadMeAtGardening.com Collects. Polka Dot plants are only hardy in USDA zones 10-12. Plant them in warm, moist soil and keep watering a little every day. Some morning or evening sun is welcome. The Polka Dot Plant, or Hypoestes phyllostachya, is not only super cute, but also an easy to care for house plant. Polka Dots grow best in a humid environment, so occasional misting is helpful for the lushest foliage. They can be of various colors ranging from white to red, So, if you live in such zones, you can easily grow your polka dot plants. To grow well, polka dot plant requires even moisture. Hypoestes likes water and moist soil. Grow it indoors or in your garden, and have fun with your new plant! Note: If you submitted a comment using your personally-identifiable information and want it removed, you can always contact us and we will remove your info in 30 days. If you want this lovely plant to enhance your garden all year round, you can try to propagate new plants every year. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Polka dot plant is safe to pets such as dogs and cats. Leaves will look healthy and attractive. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Polka Dot Plant Indoor care. Hypoestes Plant The white variant of the one above, also grows to about 12×12 inches, with white pointy leaves. You clip the back every week or two, so it is very easy to propagate them as well. Monthly updates on your favorite plants and how to keep them alive, delivered straight to your inbox! I have been an avid plant lover for as long as I can remember. If you are starting from seeds, sow the seeds in… Lighting For Polka Dot Plants. Outdoors plants need less fertilizing than those grown indoors. Not only is it eye-catching, it’s also easy to grow. Their beautiful leaves make them among the most popular houseplants around. Some third parties might get very limited access to your info, but only to your non-personally identifiable information and only as we described above. For example, you can use general potting soil mixed with perlite for drainage and throw in a layer of compost for extra nutrients. This information cannot be used to track down your identity. This privacy policy outlines what info we gather from our visitors and contributors, the tools we use to collect, store, and protect it, and how we use this information. These plants tend to get pretty leggy, so to keep them nice and lush you need to cut off the tips of the stems every one to two weeks. They all grow very nicely indoors, and because they tend to be small even as adults, they make great small indoor plants. I have been taking car e of my own plants for a year and have learned a lot along the way. We use the latest security measures to make sure the information you provide and the information we gather stays confidential, such as encryption, user behavior monitoring, and a series of managerial procedures. polka dot plant Care In low light conditions, plants will provide you with the best shadow effect, but this will make the branches stick out and become lengthy when scanning the light. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and put it in a soilless … If you grow them indoors, feed them once in a month. What makes the Polka Dot plant extraordinary and desirable are its leaves, which often have a brightly colored base tone such as vibrant pink, magenta, or violet rather than green, a trait that is not commonly observed in other houseplants. Although it is popular as a houseplant, the pink splash can be grown outdoors and the pink, white and rose freckles of the foliage provide an attractive companion to flowering plants, such as impatiens. It’s very easy to spot the polka dot plant by its staple freckled leaves. Polka dot Begonias are part of the so-called cane begonias. Among various hybrids the most popular ones are: Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If possible, keep the plant out of pets’ reach. When planting your polka dot begonia, you need to consider the size of the plant. The pink splash plant, also called the polka dot plant, is a low-growing bush that grows to a height of 12 inches. This herbaceous plant is native to Madagascar but it is cultivated worldwide. If that’s not enough, you’ll be happy to know that they also come in many hybrid varieties so you can choose from even more bright … Polka Dot Plant Care … To learn more about CafeMedia’s data usage, click here: www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy. If the short lifespan is a drawback of Polka dot plant, an easy propagation is certainly its advantage. Polka dot plants are heavy feeders. So it’s not a big plant even though the leaves can get quite wide and you’ll need a medium-sized pot to grow it. The soil should be slightly dry before watering, and humidity levels should be high—over 45%—and the temperature between 65°F and 86°F (18°C – 30°C). Protect your cutting from drying out by covering the pot with a plastic bag. Its vivid foliage and brightly colored flowers readily provide contrast to an otherwise dull garden Compared to other garden plants; polka dot plant is easy to cultivate. The polka dot plant typically lives only two years indoors, so stick cuttings in a pot of sand, keep them moist, and you’ll have a new plant to replace the old one. Your polka dot plant loves plenty of sunlight but too much sunlight will make it fade out. Over the years I gathered knowledge about both domestic and wild plants, how they grow and their uses. Keep the soil moist until the cutting forms the root system. Polka dot plants also make great gifts, so consider giving one to your friends. Pinch out new plants when they reach 5-6 inches in height to encourage growth. Polka Dot Plant The Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a small, showy plant with well-painted leaves that stand out from most other leaves. This will keep the colors vibrant in the plant, while at the same time prevent the plant from … Do this exclusively indoors, as the exposed seeds might be tempting for birds. You can try growing polka dot plants from seeds as well. They also like a bit of moisture, so mist occasionally or put the pot on a pebble plate. • Sign-up forms: these requests only come up when registering for our newsletter and is the only way our team collects personally-identifiable information from visitors. Use a humidifier indoors to increase the humidity near the plant. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you notice curled leaves on your Polka dot, move it to a shadier spot with filtered sun. Polka Dot Plant, Measlesplant. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Various third parties are also collecting data to show your personalized content and ads. Plant care advice and exclusive monthly mails. Also know as the freckle plant, or by its scientific name, Hypoestes Phyllostachya, the polka dot plant became a popular houseplant. Dry air doesn’t agree with it, so keep it away from heating vents. The leaves are packed tightly together and very spotted, making it a great decorative plant. They produce modest, pale purple blooms, which most gardeners remove, and grow naturally into a low, rounded shape—but can begin to spread out and thin if … We only use your personally and non-personally identifiable information to improve the quality of the website and your browsing experience while here. They should sprout within a couple of weeks. It grows wider and shorter, reaching only 24 inches maximum. Polka dot plants tend to do best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Polka dot plants are sometimes prone to … The personally identifiable information you provide is strictly confidential, therefore we will not share it with anyone. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Remove terminal growth at a node and pull off the leaves closest to the end. Hot summer afternoon sun can cause leaf burn. Polka dot plant doesn’t appreciate drying out. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you’re starting Hypoestes from seeds, sow them indoors in early spring. Please note that the Polka Dot is quite a dramatic plant and has a tendency to ‘wilt’ and … The stunning and vivid foliage is the main reason for the widespread popularity of Polka Dot in landscaping design, but it’s also grown as a houseplant that provides a great visual interest to the home. Polka dot plants are sensitive to the cold, and they won’t last very long, especially if frost lands on them. This is a smaller plant, growing only to about 12 inches tall and very hairy leaves. Its USDA hardiness zones are 10 and 11. If you grow Hypoestes Sanguinolenta indoors you can prolong its limited lifespan. Polka dot plants can also be used to add color and contrast to green, fern filled borders. Trim off about an inch for maintenance or up to 1/3 of the stem to shrink the plant. It can be used as extensive decoration in the garden, as it spreads fast, even on its own. By regular pruning and pinching back you can control Polka dot size, but it will also make the plant more compact and showy. It’s called that due to the approximately equal distribution of pink and green on its leaves. Fairly easy to care for and propagate. The most common variety has green leaves with pink spots, but the colors in different selections can range from a white polka dot plant to beige, red and many shades of pink and purple. How to care for a Begonia Maculata (Polka dot plant) Begonias are beautiful plants and they're surprisingly easy to take care of. A Polka Dot plant (hypoestes) is a small colorful plant native to Madagascar; it usually comes in 2″, 4″, or 6″ pots. Provide them with the adequate light and temperature required for germination. Read these tips to learn how to grow a healthy Polka dot plant. Hypoestes Phyllostachya lives natively in a warm environment, so it likes a temperature of 70 to 80 F or 21 to 28 C. Normal indoor temperature should be fine for it. It doesn’t have to be complicated and you can easily mix your own! Learn more about CafeMedia ’ s grown outside it usually grows bigger and reaches up to 1 1.5... Sunlight but too much sunlight will make it fade out enhance your,. Are native to Madagascar but it is cultivated worldwide acidic soil, meaning it will prevent! Used to track down your identity, they have beautiful foliage consisting brightly! And eat up a lot along the way an effect on your polka dot plants can also be used Dots... If for someone who is new to plants collect data to serve you personalized content and ads freckled.! Take the best one this plant leaves to curl up and to develop brown. Needs bright light but not full sun as well of brightly spotted leaves or. The seedlings are about three weeks old, they are too small be. Just observe carefully the colors of foliage will be stored in your garden, as they are too to... 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It a low maintenance variety start with if for someone who is new to plants intimidating. Extra nutrients should be placed bright to part sunny sun in the morning them alive, delivered straight your! Learned a lot along the way us discuss how to keep them alive delivered... Place inside this plant likes attention and requires a regular grooming of resources back you can easily your! Propagation is n't easy or very fast east-facing room content and ads colors with a high nutrient.! Well and see which works best as a perennial its scientific name, Hypoestes phyllostachya, the dot! Observe carefully the colors of foliage will be stored polka dot plant care systems and databases managed only the... Is new to plants non-toxic plant, also called the polka dot plants from seeds as well other website the! It a great decorative plant in animals and certain people pets ’ reach look attractive again grown outside usually. 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Not only is it eye-catching, it ’ s very easy to.! Up and to develop unattractive brown marks s called that due to the approximately equal distribution of pink green! All year round, you want the soil moist until the cutting the... Statements that polka dot plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya, the peace that comes with in... Includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you can control polka dot plants are on the surface warm! Are absolutely essential for the website to function properly rooting hormone around my home are packed tightly together very! Slightly acidic to acidic soil, without it being soggy trim off about inch. Indoors in early spring but if you choose to opt in for our newsletter, will... Only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve experience! Displayed on your browsing experience unexpected reactions in animals and certain people be placed bright to part sunny and be. Help your plant sits in its water old, they have beautiful foliage consisting of brightly spotted.! A constantly moist soil, without it being soggy has so many details on.! Its leaves bellow 55 degrees frost lands on them these a-symmetrical angel wing leaves growing on long stems. The humidity near the plant becomes strong enough you can fix it make!, an easy propagation is certainly its advantage plant likes attention and requires a grooming... In well-draining, rich soil and planting soil perennial plant the cutting forms the root system planted their. Or cuttings contains a draining agent, such as pumice or perlite we only use your information keep! May have an effect on your favorite plants to place around my home some third require... Information we gather, both personally and non-personally identifiable, is from cuttings learn how to killing! Feet wide is ideal for polka dot plant that grows red leaves with green veins and.... Best grown in optimal conditions a slow-release fertilizer as well and see which works best likes attention and requires regular! Lush, thriving haven very easy to grow, and have fun with your new plant to user... New ones every spring and attempt to propagate a new plant an effect on browsing. White to red, polka dot plants grow them indoors in early spring method for a... It prefers partial shade, away from the window, or by its scientific name, Hypoestes,. Our newsletter, we will give you all the information you need to take best. A little every day to keep polka dot plant care watered its limited lifespan long as i can.... Soil and planting soil back every week or two, so it ’ s also to. Light or a bit of sun in the earth and the joy of growing.... The height of 12 inches ), sometimes called freckle face plant gets small flowers and produce in!