Pink Splash Plant Care - Hypoestes - Polka Dot Plant

Polka Dot Plant

Hypoestes

Pink Splash Plant

A Polka Dot Plant is a small colorful houseplant, native to Madagascar, usually comes in 2″, 4″, or 6″ pots. The delicate downy green leaves of a Polka Dot Plant Plant, or Hypoestes, are covered in spots and splashes of red, rose, white, or light green. Some new varieties of Polka Dot plants even have pink leaves with green patches. When planted outside, a Polka Dot plant, can grow as tall as 30.” Inside, this plant needs to be kept trimmed back and small or it will get quite leggy. A Polka Dot plant looks beautiful in dish gardens or in small decorative containers.

Light

A Polka Dot Plant, Hypoestes, grows best in bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light.. Too much light or too little light causes the colors in the leaves of this plant to fade.

Water

Water a Polka Dot plant well and then allow the top 25% of the soil to dry out before watering again. Over-watering causes root rot. If the leaves of a Polka Dot droop, they quickly perk up after a little water.

Fertilizer

A Polka Dot grows quickly. Feed it monthly with a basic liquid houseplant food at ½ strength when it’s growing usually in the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, fertilize a Polka Dot every other month as long as it’s producing new leaves.

Temperature

Polka Dot plants prefer warm temperatures around 75 degrees.

Humidity

A Polka Dot Plant grows best in high humidity.

Flowering

Polka Dots have small inconsequential flowers compared to their dramatic leaves.

Pests

The colorful leaves of a Polka Dot may attract whitefliesLearn how to identify and treat the plant pest called Whitefly at https://www.houseplant411.com/glossary/whitefly-plant-pests, AphidsSee a picture, learn to identify, and read about Aphid houseplant pests in the Glossary of Houseplant411.com., and Mealy BugsLearn how to identify and treat Mealy Bugs, a houseplant pest that leaves sticky, white, cottony residue on houseplants.; use the green solutionIf you don't want to use a commercial chemical product to treat plant pest problems try the “Green Solution.” This is a mixture of water, alcohol, biodegradable liquid soap, and mineral oil. Always test any spray on one or two leaves to be sure it won’t damage the plant. Depending upon how severe the infestation is, you can use these ingredients in varying proportions. If there are only a few pests, dip a Q-tip in alcohol and gently swab them off. For a more widespread problem, start by using a spray of warm water mixed with a few tablespoons of biodegradable soap. If that doesn’t cure the problem, make a solution using 8oz. water & 8oz. alcohol, add two tablespoons of biodegradable soap and two tablespoons of mineral oil. Spray all areas of the plant. Use this solution on leathery leafed plants (except palms), never on fuzzy leafed plants like African Violets or Begonias. For palms, omit the alcohol from the Green Solution. Never spray a plant that’s sitting in the sun or one with very dry soil. at ½ strength to get rid of these infestations. Over watering causes powdery mildewPowdery mildew is a plant disease that puts a grayish white powder on plant leaves and stems. View a picture of this plant disease and learn how to treat it..

Diseases

Soil

This plant likes a rich airy peat-based soil that drains well.

Pot Size

Polka Dots are usually found in 4" and 6" pots.

Pruning

Keep a Polka Dot pruned back to prevent it from becoming leggy and thin looking.

Propagation

Polka Dot plants have a limited life span, but they are easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Poisonous Plant Info

Hypoestes, or Polka Dot Plant, is a non- poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets. houseplant.

1. The soil in my Polka Dot plant is moist, but the leaves are all droopy.

It sounds like you have over watered your Polka Dot, and the plant has root rot. You can try cutting the plant all the way back and letting the soil dry out thoroughly; a few roots may still be alive. Otherwise, buy another Polka Dot. They’re quite inexpensive, and try not to water it as much next time.

2. Whenever I move the leaves of my Polka Dot plant, little tiny bugs start flying around.

Your Polka Dot plant probably has whitefliesLearn how to identify and treat the plant pest called Whitefly at https://www.houseplant411.com/glossary/whitefly-plant-pests. Get some yellow sticky cardsThis small dark skinny pest flies and jumps around plants and people driving us all crazy. Fungus Gnats develop in moist potting soil, feeding on root hairs and emerging as adults every 30 days. The best way to get rid of Fungus Gnats is to allow the soil to thoroughly dry out. This eliminates the eggs and gnats in the pot. Use yellow sticky cards to trap the Fungus Gnats that are flying around. at your local plant shop or home improvement store, and put a small piece in each of your plants. This will catch the adults that are flying around. Then spray your plant with the green solutionIf you don't want to use a commercial chemical product to treat plant pest problems try the “Green Solution.” This is a mixture of water, alcohol, biodegradable liquid soap, and mineral oil. Always test any spray on one or two leaves to be sure it won’t damage the plant. Depending upon how severe the infestation is, you can use these ingredients in varying proportions. If there are only a few pests, dip a Q-tip in alcohol and gently swab them off. For a more widespread problem, start by using a spray of warm water mixed with a few tablespoons of biodegradable soap. If that doesn’t cure the problem, make a solution using 8oz. water & 8oz. alcohol, add two tablespoons of biodegradable soap and two tablespoons of mineral oil. Spray all areas of the plant. Use this solution on leathery leafed plants (except palms), never on fuzzy leafed plants like African Violets or Begonias. For palms, omit the alcohol from the Green Solution. Never spray a plant that’s sitting in the sun or one with very dry soil. to get the nymphs that are feeding on the leaves.

3. I have my Polka Dot plant in a south facing window. The new leaves are not nearly as brightly colored as the old leaves.

Your Polka Dot is getting too much light and it’s causing the leaf color to fade.

4. My Polka Dot has gotten thin and straggly looking. Can I fix it or should I just throw it out?

Cut your Polka Dot back, and place it in a bright area. Once new leaves start to appear, feed it every month with a balanced plant food.