Pink Polka Dot ( Hypoestes phyllostachya ) is an evergreen shrub that is native to Madagascar, South Africa and southeast Asia. This species is grown for its striking ornamental foliage that has been hybridized into some gorgeous colours. Pink Polka Dot Plants make an excellent indoor plant in any climate and are very popular for this purpose. They are also commonly used as border plants in temperate to tropical regions. Its foliage has a speckled or dotted appearance, that will often merge into larger areas of full colour. The species comes in various shades of pink-purplish or red leaves; and also white. This listing is for the pink coloured variety.
This plant will grow as a perennial in sub-tropical and tropical zones, however in cooler temperate climates it will only grow as an annual. Suitable for pot and container growing both indoors and out.
Why not check out our other variety of Hypoestes, the Compact Confetti Mix.
Growth
This particular variety of Pink Polka Dot will grow to around 40-50 cm in height, with a spread of approximately 30 cm. The leaves are ovate and can grow to around 5 cm in length. This species produces small lavender coloured flowers that appear in spikes/stems in late Summer to Autumn and look very similar to a honeysuckle flower. Remove flowers if you want your plant to focus its energy on foliage growth, Hypoestes can look a bit straggly after they have put all their energy into flowering and often will die off.
Hypoestes phyllostachya is not frost tolerant but will cope with cooler temperatures down to around 5-10°C before it starts to die off. This species is fast growing, so it is easy to grow for colour annually. Although the Pink Polka Dot plant prefers plenty of light, a space with indirect light or afternoon shade is best. Full sun can take away some brightness from the colour, which is why they are so suited as an indoor plant.
This species when grown perennially can get a bit leggy and need pruning to help it remain full; especially if it is a low light area where it is trying to reach for sunlight. A well draining but moist nutrient rich soil is preferred. Indoors they will appreciate a feed each month, outdoors they are a little less needy in this department if the soil is compost rich.
FAMILY:
Acanthaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate (Annual). Sub-Tropical and Tropical (Perennial)
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Shaded but well lit area in climates with hot summers, morning sun in cool climates.
HEIGHT:
40-50 cm (2 feet)
WIDTH:
30 cm (1 foot)
pH:
5.8-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium, not drought tolerant.
POLLINATION:
Self pollinating, bisexual flower.
MATURITY:
6-20 months
GERMINATION RATES:
80-94%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-2 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 750
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
None known
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) for 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT HYPOESTES PHYLLOSTACHYA (Pink Polka Dot)
The Polka Dot plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Hypoestes is non-toxic to pets, which is fantastic for those of us that love our indoor pets and our fur babies!
Hypoestes phyllostachya is considered an environmental weed in some parts of Queensland and New South Wales. Remove flowers as they die off to prevent seeds pods developing and dispersing to prevent spread.
