Polka dot plant grows best in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light or partial shade.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Polka dot plants are easy to grow with the proper conditions.
They have a moderate growth rate and remain relatively small once mature, especially when grown indoors as houseplants.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Because they are native to warm climates, many gardeners treat them as annuals when planted outdoors.
Light
Outdoors, plant polka dot plants in a location that receives some shade.
Too much light can cause the plant’s variegation to fade.
The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Leticia Almeida
Bright, indirect light from an east- or south-facing window is ideal indoors.
Soil
Polka dot plants prefersoil rich in organic matterwith good drainage.
An all-purpose organic potting mix is typically suitable for these plants.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Mix in some pumice orperliteto improve soil drainage.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist.
Water the plant when the top half-inch of soil has dried out.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
They can be a greatbathroom plant, if your bathroom has a window.
Polka dot plants prefer temperatures over 60F.
They’re only , hardy outdoors inUSDA growing zones10 and 11.
Pink Splash polka dot plantDavid Q. Cavagnaro / Getty Images
Fertilizer
Feed container plants with anorganic fertilizerdesigned for houseplants once a month during the warm growing season.
If planting in-ground, mix organic compost into the soil each spring before planting.
Is this the right plant for you?
Removing the flowers prevents the plant from going into dormancy.
Pruning Tip
Not sure where to find the best pruners for your polka dot plant?
Propagating Polka Dot Plants
You canpropagate polka dot plantsfromstem cuttings.
You’ll have the most success in spring or summer.
Here’s how to propagate your polka dot plant from a stem cutting rooted in water.
You’ll need a small glass or jar and clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Place the plant in a sunny location.
The seeds should sprout in a few days.
Only plant outdoors after the threat of frost is over.
Your polka dot plant ispot boundwhen the roots start growing out of the drainage holes in its container.
The new pot should be no more than two inches wider and deeper than the old pot.
Avoid terra cotta pots, which wick away moisture and can cause the soil to dry out too quickly.
you might bring them outdoors again the following spring when night temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Pests likemealybugs,aphids, andwhitefliescan affect polka dot plants.
What Do Polka Dot Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Polka dot plants bloom by sending up a small spike with tiny pink or purple flowers.
They’re not showy or aromatic.
Also, too much sunlight can burn the leaves.
Hard water and overfertilization are other reasons for a polka dot plant’s leaves turning brown.
Adjust your humidity or watering habits to revive the plant.
Leaves Turning Yellow or Dropping Off
Overwatering can cause leaves to yellow and even drop.
Polka dot plants do not spread very much.
Polka dot plants usually grow to 16 to 22 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
Polka dot plants don’t always flower, but when they do, it’s in the summer months.
Their flowers are small and typically lilac or pink in color.
Polka Dot Plant.Brisbane City Council Weed Identification.
Polka Dot Plant,Hypoestes phyllostachya.University of Wisconsin, Extension of Horticulture.
