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Introducing...

Hypoestes

Botanical name: Hypoestes phyllostachya

Common name: Polka dot plant

With speckled leaves in shades of pink, red and white, these compact tropical plants add a bright splash of colour to any home. They like warmth and humid air, out of direct sunshine, and are ideal for growing in a terrarium or bottle garden.

Looks

A compact plant with small leaves that are irregularly spotted and splashed with colour – choose from various shades of red, pink or white. They form low spreading clumps, up to 30cm high.

Likes

Hypoestes enjoy a warm place with bright, indirect light and humid air. Mist the leaves or stand the pot in a tray of damp pebbles, or keep in a steamy bathroom. They like temperatures of 18–27°C (65–80°F). Let the top of the compost dry out before watering.

Dislikes

Keep them out of direct summer sun, which can scorch the leaves and fade their bright colours. Deep shade can reduce the leaf colouring too, turning the foliage more green instead. Position away from heat sources, such as radiators, where the air is dry – they prefer humidity.

Did you know?

Although hypoestes may produce small pink flowers in summer, it’s best to remove these to keep growth neat and compact. If your plant starts to get tall and straggly, pinch back the shoots to encourage bushier growth.

Growing guide

Useful advice

Choosing the best houseplants

Choosing the best houseplants

Humidity for houseplants

Humidity for houseplants

Leaf damage on houseplants

Leaf damage on houseplants

Terrariums and bottle gardens

Terrariums and bottle gardens

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.