Polka Dot Plant — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Hypoestes phyllostachya |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 22.9–30.5 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 22.9–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost in moist seed-starting mix in a warm, brightly lit location; polka dot plant is a Madagascar native grown for its vivid, spotted foliage — broad, dark-green leaves thickly splashed with pink, white, red, or magenta spots and blotches that give the plant an almost unnaturally colorful appearance, making it one of the most striking foliage plants for shaded containers and garden beds. Pinch growing tips regularly to maintain compact, bushy growth and prevent leggy, flopping stems. Plants flower with small lavender spikes in late season; remove flowers to maintain foliage quality. Overwinters as a tender perennial in zones 10–12; grown as an annual in cooler climates. Excellent in combination with ferns, hostas, and caladiums in shaded container plantings.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0