The common name, Polka-Dot Plant, gives away some of the foliar characteristics. The leaves are generally speckled with splashes of pink or white that gives the foliage a polka-dot like pattern.
H. phyllostachya is native to South Africa. It bears oval 2 to 3 inch long leaves spotted irregularly with pink or white.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot to 2 feet |
| Width: | 2 feet to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 10a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | Lavender |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Pink, Variegated |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Variable spread |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Liquid All Purpose Houseplant Food |
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Sow 8-10 weeks before last frost. Seeds germinate in as little as 4 days at 68°F. Transplant when they have four true (colored) leaves, and plant outside when the temperature is consistently above 50°F.
Although this plant is a perennial, it is often times grown as an annual bedding plant or potted houseplant. In Hawaii, it can grow outdoors year round. It can reach 2' tall. The leaves are spotted or blotched with color. Hypoestes grows best in partial shade with shelter from cold, dry winds.
It has spikes-like racems of small, tubular unshowy flowers in late summer or fall, if at all.
Does best in loose soil that has a high concentration of organic matter such as peat. Water freely in summer, but keep dry in colder months.
During the summer, implement a balanced liquid fertilizer bimonthly.
Prune after flowering; tip pruning encourages bushy growth.
The only real problem is powdery mildew.