Polka Dot Plants also known as Hypoestes phyllostachya is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia. They are known for producing tiny spikes, or racemes, of purple or pink flowers in summer.
Today in this section we will learn all about how to grow, care for, and tips on Polka Dot Plants.
How to Grow Polka Dot Plant?
YOu can grow Polka Dot Plants in pear-free composite and it will need a warm and humid environment. They also need bright but indirect sunlight and if you sparingly give them water then they will not bloom any flowers and in summer they will need liquid house plant fertilizer.
You can grow them at a minimum of 15ºC and a humidity level of around 50 percent. A bathroom will be perfect as the bathroom has highly humid places in the house and it will be perfect in a bathroom.
They also require well-drained soil so when making a mix for it remember to make it well-drained and plant them with the same depth as the original pot. You will have to water them well and let the water fully drain to grow properly.
How to Care Polka Dot Plant?
Polka dot plants are one of the easy to grow plants indoors and outdoors. But they require care and they are also not low-maintenance plants if they are grown indoors then you have to make sure they get bright, indirect light and moderate water. If you can get the right environment for Polka dot plants then the Polka dot can grow up to one to two feet tall and wide.
If you have planted Polka dot plants outside then you will have to plant them in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. You will also have to keep the soil dry as much as possible while keeping the plant moist.
Here also also some lists on how to care for your Polka dot plants:
1. Light
Light is important for Polka dot plants not only Polka dot light is essential for every plant. But if you have a Polka dot plant you can’t plant them in full sun or they will burn up the foliage and you can’t even plant them in deep shade place as the plant can get less colorful. They need a bit of morning sun and dappled shade.
2. Soil
For soil, Polka dot plants need well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic soil. If you are planting them in containers you need to mix soil with peat or compost for organic matter as well as perlite or pumice for good drainage.
3. Water
You will have to water them well and let the water fully drain to grow properly. After they are well-established you need to keep the soil moist and water it when the top soil is 1/2 inch dry.
4. Temperature And Humidity
Polka dot plants can grow well in summer as they love humidity. If we talk about temperature they thrive at 60°F or higher but they can also survive at 50°F but won’t grow properly. They can also survive during winter in a frost-free climate and if your house or room has little humidity try occasional misting with a spray bottle.
5. Fertilizer
You can use water-soluble fertilizer in Polka dot plants during the warm growing season but remember to use fertilizer once a month. During spring you can give them a fresh layer of compost.
How to Propagate Polka Dot Plant?
Polka dot plants are not long-living plants they can live up to a year. But you can produce a new generation of Polka dot plants for your garden through propagation which is one of the easiest to do in this plant.
So if you want more of the Polka dot plants before they die you can use the propagation method to regrow them and rewatch them with their beautiful Splash Select Pink colored leaf. So here is the list of how to Propagate Polka Dot Plant in your home:
- Select or choose a new growth or softer steam of Polka dot plant to propagate as those steams can produce their roots.
- Cut the Polka dot chosen steam of the parent plant. The chosen steam must be cut off on the base.
- Remove the leaves of Polka dot from the modes from which the leaves sprout grow on either side. All you have to do is remove the leaves at the base of the cut steam and leave some leaves around each node.
- The Polka dot cut steam or plant must be 3 to 4 inches long and the cut must be just below a mode. The cut steam must have a node and one to two sets of leaves.
- After the cut is done on the Polka dot node you have to apply a rooting hormone which helps the steam generate roots faster and the rooting hormone must be 1 inch deep. After the rooting hormone is applied you have to let them dry for a few minutes.
- After that, in the course of two to three months depending on the environment and climate, the Polka dot roots will grow to sustain themselves. Just remember to place the panted pot in moist, light, high-quality potting soil, sticking it about two inches deep.
- Once the steam starts to grow and take root in the Polka dot plant you can move them into individual pots and provide them moisture and plenty of sunlight. You can also apply an organic fertilizer to the plant as per the product instructions to help it grow rapidly and prepare it for the season. As the plant grows you can plant them in the garden or pot.
Different Types of Polka Dot Plants?
There are a lot of different varieties of Polka dot plant some grow dark green and red-spotted leaves while others grow green leaves with spots of white, pink, rose, red, or burgundy. So here are some of the list of Polka dot plant:
Different varieties of Hypoestes phyllostachya are bred for their leaf coloration, including:
- ‘Carmina’: Carmina has beautiful dark green and bright red-spotted leaves.
- ‘Purpuriana’: Purpuriana has beautiful bright lavender leaves with bright green veins.
- ‘Confetti’: Confetti has beautiful green leaves with spots of pink, rose, white, red, or burgundy colors and is smaller at 8 inches tall.
- ‘Pink Brocade’: Pink Brocade features beautiful green with mottled pink spots leaves.
- ‘Splash’ series: Splash boasts leaves in mixes of greens with splotches of pinks, rosy red, or white colors.
FAQs
Q. Are Polka Dot Plants Toxic to Cats?
No, Polka Dot plants are not toxic to cats. Not only cats they are not toxic to humans and any animals.
Q. Are Polka Dot Plants Indoor or Outdoor?
Polka dots are both indoor and outdoor plants as they can grow effectively in the environment if created.
Q. Are Polka Dot Plants Rare?
While common Polka Dot plants are not rare the true polka dot is one of the rarest plants.
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