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Hypoestes phyllostachya

Previously known as:

  • Hypoestes sanguinolenta
Phonetic Spelling
hy-poh-ES-teez fy-lo-STAK-ee-ah
Description

Once thought of as simply a houseplant, the polka dot plant has progressed to an annual in the garden. Used in a container grouping, a dish garden, window boxes or placed directly as a border plant is sure to brighten your landscape.  Several hybrids are available in a variety of colors, including reds, greens, whites, and pinks.    

The polka dot plant is an herbaceous perennial and native to Madagascar. The plant has ovate green leaves that are dotted with splotches of rose, pink, or white. The cotyledon (embryonic leaf) is green, however, the first set of true leaves will show the color of the foliage. Its flowers are small, tubular shaped, and lilac, and appear on spikes about 6 inches long. It is not grown for its flowers and cutting off the blooms will allow more of the plant's energy to be used by the foliage.  

Polka-dot plants will tolerate some direct sunlight, however, achieving the best color can be accomplished by locating this plant in an area that receives bright, filtered lighting. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to crinkle and curl. Too little lighting can result in the leaves fading as well as a plant that becomes leggy as they reach for brighter lighting. Pinching back leggy plants can maintain a more compact plant.  

Propagation is easily accomplished through stem cuttings.  Place the cutting in water and place it in a bright location. Soon, roots will begin to form. Bring garden-grown annuals in during the winter months. They will be ready to go in the garden again in the spring. In warm, temperate locations, this plant can freely reseed. 

The vibrant colored leaves will make this plant stand out in the home or garden. The polka dot plant can be used in containers, terrariums, or annual bedding plants in most areas of the United States. The plants are winter hardy in USDA Zones 10-11.

Quick ID Hints:

  • dense, spreading, ground cover
  • ovate, green leaves dotted with splotches of pink, red, or white
  • small, tubular-shaped, lilac flowers on spikes
  • green stems

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insects or disease problems. Root rot and powdery mildew can occur.  Aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies can also affect this plant. If needed, treat the plants with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Fairy Gardens
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Carmina'
    Bright red splotches on the leaves.
  • 'Confetti'
    Smaller plant comes in white, pink, red, rose and burgundy.
  • 'Pink Brocade'
    Mottled with pink spots.
  • 'Pink Dot'
    Pink spots
  • "Purpuriana'
    Purplish foliage.
  • 'Splash'
    Large blotches of contrasting colors, pink, red, and white.
  • 'Wit'
    Marbled white foliage.
'Carmina', 'Confetti', 'Pink Brocade', 'Pink Dot', "Purpuriana', 'Splash', 'Wit'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#houseplant#white flowers#pink flowers#frost tender#mass planting#window boxes#terrarium#deer resistant#variegated#self-seeding#fantz#indoor#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#drought intolerant#container plant#annual#border
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Carmina'
    Bright red splotches on the leaves.
  • 'Confetti'
    Smaller plant comes in white, pink, red, rose and burgundy.
  • 'Pink Brocade'
    Mottled with pink spots.
  • 'Pink Dot'
    Pink spots
  • "Purpuriana'
    Purplish foliage.
  • 'Splash'
    Large blotches of contrasting colors, pink, red, and white.
  • 'Wit'
    Marbled white foliage.
'Carmina', 'Confetti', 'Pink Brocade', 'Pink Dot', "Purpuriana', 'Splash', 'Wit'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#houseplant#white flowers#pink flowers#frost tender#mass planting#window boxes#terrarium#deer resistant#variegated#self-seeding#fantz#indoor#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#drought intolerant#container plant#annual#border
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hypoestes
    Species:
    phyllostachya
    Family:
    Acanthaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Container or houseplant
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Madagascar
    Distribution:
    Columbia, Costa Rica, East Himalaya, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Paraguay, and the United States
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Ground Cover
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, tubular flowers that are not showy. The color is usually lilac to pale purple. They bloom in late spring and summer. Indoors, they may bloom sporadically throughout the year.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The showy green leaves are spotted with lavender, red, or pink.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Humidity