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 Foliage
Plant
of
the Month
polka-dot plant
(printable
PDF)
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BOTANICAL
NAME
Hypoestes
phyllostachya
(hy-po-ES-teez
fil-o-STAK-ee-a)
syn.
Hypoestes sanguinolenta
COMMON NAMES
Polka-dot
plant, Measles plant, Flamingo plant, Freckle-face
DESCRIPTION
The
Hypoestes species most commonly sold as an indoor foliage
plant is H. phyllostachya, which is known for its
colorful pink-spotted leaves. The plants, which grow quickly,
can reach 2 feet tall in some cases but are best kept more
compact. They have hairy, densely set leaves that measure 1.5 to
2.5 inches in length. The varieties ‘Splash’ and ‘Pink Brocade’
are showy versions in which the pink coloration is even more
dense, creating more of a mottled look. Some breeders also have
produced varieties where the spots are white or red or where red
is the leaves’ base color.
DECORATIVE
LIFE
With proper
care, individual plants can live up to two years indoors (see
“Repotting”).
AVAILABILITY
Hypoestes
plants are available year-round.
IN-STORE AND CONSUMER CARE
LIGHT
Bright indoor light is
appropriate though the plants should be kept out of direct sun.
WATER From spring through fall,
water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry slightly between
waterings. Water less frequently in winter.
TEMPERATURE
Average warm indoor
temperatures are appropriate; Hypoestes plants like a night
temperature between 65 F and 70 F and a day temperature between
75 F and 85 F. Avoid temperatures below 55 F.
HUMIDITY Mist the leaves
frequently.
FERTILIZER Feed established plants
with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted by half, every
two weeks.
PROPOGATION
Hypoestes can be
propagated through stem cuttings or via seeds.
PRUNING Pinch back stems as they
grow too long, such as those longer than 10 inches, to encourage
a more bushy form.
REPOTTING It is recommended to take
stem cuttings and start new plants each spring to replace aging
or straggly Hypoestes plants. Potting mixtures formulated for
African violets are suggested.
CHALLENGES
PESTS AND PROBLEMS Watch for
aphids, whiteflies, spider mites or scale. Pinch off infested
areas, thoroughly clean the plant and isolate it from other
houseplants. Daily misting to increase humidity can keep some of
these pests at bay.
LEAF DROP Yellowed leaves dropping
from the plants are a sign of overwatering. Leaves that drop off
without turning yellow are a sign the plants aren’t getting
enough water.
CURLED LEAVES Too much light,
particularly direct sunlight, can cause the leaves to curl. Move
the plants to a shadier spot.
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fun
facts |
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WHAT'S IN A NAME
The genus name Hypoestes comes from the
Greek roots “hypo,” which means “below,” and “estia,”
which means “a house.” This refers to the bracts that cover the
flowers.
FAMILYHypoestes plants are members of the Acanthaceae (Acanthus)
family. Common relatives include Crossandras (firecracker
flower), Aphelandras (zebra plants), black-eyed Susans
and Justicias (shrimp plants).
HOME SWEET HOME
The plants are native to Madagascar, South Africa and Southeast
Asia.
SEEING THE LIGHT
The amount of light that Hypoestes plants receive affects how
colorful their leaves become. Plants receiving too little light
may stay all green; in well-lit spots, the leaf coloring will be
vivid.
OCCASIONAL BLOOMERS
Some Hypoestes plants, after reaching a year old, will
produce spikes of purple flowers in late winter. These flowers
should be pinched out. After flowering, the plants may go
dormant, and at that point watering should be reduced until new
growth starts. sfr
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Some
information provided by:
Botanica, by R.G. Turner Jr. and Ernie Wasson
The
Chain of Life Network®, www.chainoflifenetwork.org
The
Complete Houseplant Survival Manual, by Barbara Pleasant
Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses, Inc., www.exoticangel.com
The
House Plant Expert, by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
Reach
“Foliage Plant of the Month” writer Amy Bauer at abauer@superfloralretailing.com
or (800) 355-8086.
To enjoy the rest of this
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