Polka Dot Plant Care—How To Grow Pink Polka Dot Plants Indoors

The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is one of those houseplants that few can resist. As its name suggests, the plant sports striking, polka-dotted foliage.

If polka dots aren’t enough to turn your head, you’ll find polka dot plants in several striking color combos. These include pink/green, pink/white, green/white and red/green.

Intrigued yet? I hope so. The pink polka dot plant is well worth adding to your indoor garden. Not only is it eye-catching, it’s also easy to grow. The plant grows readily in its native habitat in Madagascar. Indoors, it doesn’t grow quite as quickly, but it will thrive if given the proper care.

In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know about growing and caring for your pretty polka dot plants!

Polka Dot Plant Care

Provide Good Lighting

Bright, indirect light is ideal for pink polka dot plants. This will keep the colors vibrant in the plant while preventing the plant from becoming lanky. If you grow the polka dot plant in a low-light location, it will grow leggy quickly and fade in color. A location with light that’s too bright will also fade the foliage colors.

Related: 30 Hard-to-Kill Houseplants That Thrive Even When Neglected

Place a polka dot plant a couple of feet away from an unobstructed southern or eastern exposure window. Or grow the plant under full-spectrum lighting.

Plant in Rich, Well-Draining Soil

A polka dot plant requires even moisture to grow well. This is best delivered by planting in soil that is rich, yet well-draining. Organic potting soil is ideal.

Water Regularly

Though they require even moisture, polka dot plants will easily succumb to root rot if conditions are too wet. Water when the top ¼ to ½ inch of soil has dried out. Keep in mind that the smaller the container, the quicker the plant will dry out.

Related: 5 Ways to Tell If Houseplant Is Ready for Watering

Fertilize Monthly

The polka dot plant is a fairly heavy feeder. Fertilize once a month with a high-quality organic fertilizer designed for houseplants.

Provide High Humidity and Moderate Temperature

Polka dot plants require moist air and temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit to grow well. Keep the plants in a warm location and boost the humidity. This can be done by creating a humidity tray, misting several times a day, and grouping plants together. Plants transpire and humidify one another.

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Pruning

The polka dot plant gets leggy quickly. In order to prevent this from happening, pinch the plant back on a weekly basis. Use your fingers to snip off the top two leaves on the end of each stem. Regular pruning will encourage the polka dot plant to become bushier.

Propagating

Growing polka dot plants (Hypoestes phyllostachya) from cuttings is easy! Follow these simple steps to propagate a crop of new plants from cuttings:

• Select a Healthy Plant: Choose a healthy, mature polka dot plant for propagation.
• Take Cuttings: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut 3-4 inch stems from the plant, ensuring each cutting has at least 2-3 leaves and a node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem).
• Prepare Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving just the top leaves to reduce moisture loss and prevent rot.
• Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional): For better root development, dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone powder.
• Plant Cuttings: Place the cuttings into a small container filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss and perlite.
• Water and Cover: Water the cuttings lightly and cover the container with a clear plastic bag or a plastic dome to create a humid environment.
• Provide Light and Warmth: Place the container in a bright, indirect light location and keep it warm, ideally around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
• Monitor and Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Check periodically for root development by gently tugging on the cuttings.
• Transplant: Once the cuttings have established a healthy root system (usually in 4-6 weeks), transplant them into individual pots with regular potting mix.

How To Grow Polka Dot Plants From Seed

You can also grow polka dot plants from seeds, although it's a slower process. Start by sowing seeds on a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix in a tray or small pots. Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them deeply. Cover the tray with plastic to retain humidity and place it in a warm, bright location with indirect light. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Seeds typically germinate in 1-2 weeks. Once seedlings emerge, remove the cover to improve air circulation. When seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots.

Potting and Repotting Polka Dot Plant

Start by selecting a container with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil, to ensure proper aeration and moisture retention. When potting a new plant, gently place it in the center of the container, spreading the roots out evenly, and fill in around it with the potting mix, lightly tamping it down to eliminate air pockets. 

For repotting, choose a container that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Remove the plant from its old pot, loosen any tightly bound roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting to help the plant settle in and encourage root establishment. Repot polka dot plants every 1-2 years or when they become root-bound to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.

Overwintering

To overwinter polka dot plants, which are typically grown as annuals or indoor plants, keep them in a warm, well-lit location away from cold drafts. Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and ensure they receive bright, indirect light. Reduce watering slightly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid fertilizing during the winter months. If necessary, you can also trim back leggy growth to encourage a fuller appearance. If you’re growing them outdoors in warmer climates, you can bring them indoors before the first frost to continue their growth through the winter.

Related: What Is an Annual Plant?

Types of Polka Dot Plants

Polka dot plants are popular for their attractive, spotted foliage. Here are some popular varieties and their colorations:

• ‘Pink Polka Dot’: Green with bright pink spots
• ‘Red Polka Dot’: Green with red spots
• ‘White Polka Dot’: Green with white spots
• ‘Mint Polka Dot’: Green with mint-green spots
• ‘Confetti’: Green with a mix of pink, white, and red spots
• ‘Splash’: Green with random splashes of pink and red
• ‘Lavender’: Green with lavender or light purple spots

Common Pests and Diseases

Polka dot plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases that may affect their health and appearance. To keep these plants thriving, watch out for these common issues—and learn how to manage them effectively.

Pests

1. Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap, leading to curled, distorted leaves and a sticky residue on the plant and surrounding surfaces. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
2. Spider Mites: Tiny and often red or brown, spider mites cause stippling on leaves and can create fine webbing. They thrive in dry conditions, so increasing humidity around the plant can help. Miticides or insecticidal soap are effective treatments.
3. Mealybugs: Recognizable by their white, cotton-like appearance, mealybugs cluster in leaf axils and on stems, causing leaf drop and stunted growth. Remove them manually and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
4. Whiteflies: Small, white, flying insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. Yellow sticky traps can help monitor their presence, and insecticidal soap can be used for control.
5. Scale Insects: These hard, oval pests attach themselves to plant stems and leaves, sucking out sap and causing leaf drop. Control them by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil and manually removing the scales when possible.

Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, often in humid conditions. Improving air circulation and applying a fungicide can help manage this issue.
2. Downy Mildew: Characterized by yellowing and curling leaves with a grayish, fuzzy mold on the undersides, downy mildew thrives in damp conditions. Enhance air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent and control this disease.
3. Root Rot: Typically caused by overwatering and poor drainage, root rot leads to brown, mushy roots and wilting plants. Ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove affected roots before repotting the plant.
4. Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold): This fungal disease results in a gray, fuzzy mold on decaying plant parts, often in cool, damp conditions. Remove infected plant material and apply a fungicide if necessary to manage the spread.

How to Get Polka Dot Plant to Bloom

To encourage your polka dot plant to bloom, ensure it receives bright, indirect light and maintain a warm environment between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Prune leggy stems to promote bushier growth and minimize stress by avoiding sudden changes in light, temperature, or humidity. While blooming is not a primary feature of this plant, providing these optimal conditions can enhance its chances of producing its small, delicate flowers.

Polka Dot Plant: Quick Facts

• Common Names: Polka dot plant, flamingo plant, freckle face, measles plant, pink dot
• Botanical Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
• Family: Acanthaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial in its hardiness zone; often grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere
• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
• Sun Exposure: Partial to bright, indirect light
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
• Flower Color: Lilac or pink
• Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11 (USDA)
• Native Area: Madagascar

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Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden writer and master gardener who, since 1985, has written for publications such as Organic Gardening, The American Gardener, Wildflower, Better Homes and Gardens, and The Los Angeles Times. She is the author of 10 books, including Reader’s Digest Flower Gardening, Fairy Gardening, The Strawberry Story Series, and Indoor Gardening the Organic Way, and is the founder of HealthyHouseplants.com. Her backyard is a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.