Polka Dot Plant

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Sanguinolenta) also known as "freckle face" is an attractive decorative ornamental plant with velvety green leaves and splashes of color. Its color spectrum consists of red, white, purple, lavender, and purple scarlet rose.

The striking leaves also come in solid colors with dots. Other
common names for this plant are the flamingo plant, the pink dot plant, and the measles plant which is suggested for the spotted leaves.

This bushy, colorful plant is native to Madagascar, where it can grow up to 3 feet in height; however, pot-grown plants only grow up to 15 inches in height and width. It likes humidity, which makes it ideal for growing terrariums, dish gardens, small decorative containers and hanging baskets. 

Polka Dot Plant Care Tips

Light:   Grow your plant in an area that receives indirect sunlight indoors. Although the color of the foliage brightens with more sunlight, the intense sunlight through glass panes will scorch its foliage. However, if your plant isn't colorful enough, consider some direct sunlight to deepen the colors. Avoid low light to prevent spindly week plants.

Water:  Water thoroughly from spring to autumn and always allow the top 25% of the soil to dry out before watering again. Water sparingly in winter to avoid over-watering, as this causes root rot that will kill your plant. If your plant leaves droop, just water them and they will quickly perk up.

Temperature:  Keep plant at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Soil: A light, fast-draining potting soil is perfect. You can use a commercial soilless mix that contains extra vermiculite and perlite.

Fertilizer: Feed once a week during the growing season with an all purpose fertilizer or a good liquid houseplant food that includes micronutrients to encourage blooming.

Humidity:  Mist plant daily or keep it on a pebble tray as it really needs lots of humidity. Use a room humidifier for best results.

Grooming:  Keep plant attractive by pinching it back as the stems get leggy. This keeps it at the desired height and shape and encourages thick new growth at the crown.

Repotting:  Repot the plants in spring or when they become rootbound. Usually when the plant stops growing in mid-summer, it' a sign of the plant is rootbound.

Propagate:  Propagate from seed or stem tip cuttings dipped in rooting hormone and be patient, as propagation is slow.


Grow a polka dot plant and brighten your home with lively and beautiful colors that pop.

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