Polka Dot Plant Care

Hypoestes, commonly called Polka Dot Plant, is loved for its vibrant foliage speckled with pink, red, white, or purple dots.

Compact and fast-growing, it adds a cheerful pop of color indoors.

With regular pinching and steady care, it stays full, bright, and eye-catching.

Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun. Low light may cause colors to fade.

Water when the top 1–2" of soil are dry. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering slightly in winter.

Prefers moderate to high humidity. Adapts to household humidity but grows best with added moisture. Dry air may cause leaf edges to brown.

Ideal range is 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F.

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Soil should retain some moisture without staying wet.

Feed every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. No feeding needed in fall or winter.

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container. Spring is the best time to repot.

Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushy growth. Remove leggy or faded stems to keep the plant compact.

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Faded color = low light. Leggy growth = the plant needs pruning or more light. Wilting leaves = underwatering.

Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.

Hypoestes is often grown as a seasonal accent plant, but with regular pinching, it can thrive as a long-term houseplant.