Polka dot plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called hypoestes, freckle face · Hypoestes phyllostachya · Acanthaceae family
7 d in winter
How often to water the polka dot plant?
Allow about 4 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 7 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Pinch the stems every two weeks to keep it compact. It rarely lives more than two years: take cuttings.
Misting every 4 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The polka dot plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every year, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 8–16 in (20–40 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Long, spindly stems
Cause: Not enough light or pruning. What to do: Cut it back by half and move it closer to the window.
Spots fading
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Give it bright indirect light.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the polka dot plant?
About every 4 days in spring and summer, and every 7 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the polka dot plant?
The polka dot plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the polka dot plant?
Yes, misting every 4 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the polka dot plant?
Every year, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the polka dot plant safe?
The polka dot plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the polka dot plant forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.