0How it thrives
Watermedium
Lightbright indirect
Humiditymedium
Min. temperature12 °CJanuary
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – less often in winter, with room-temperature water.
No feeding now.
Warm room (above 12 °C), at the brightest window, away from radiators and draughts.
Spider mites love dry heated air – check the undersides of the leaves.
February
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – less often in winter, with room-temperature water.
No feeding now.
Warm room (above 12 °C), at the brightest window, away from radiators and draughts.
Spider mites love dry heated air – check the undersides of the leaves.
March
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
Bright spot, east or west window.
If roots fill the pot: fresh soil, a pot 1–2 cm larger. Water sparingly for a week afterwards.
April
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Bright spot, east or west window.
If roots fill the pot: fresh soil, a pot 1–2 cm larger. Water sparingly for a week afterwards.
May
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
After mid-May (last frosts) it can go outside – keep it in partial shade for the first 1–2 weeks to avoid sunburn.
June
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
July
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
August
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
September
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Semi-shaded balcony or east/west window – protect from harsh midday sun.
Bring it in when nights drop below 17 °C. Check for pests first.
October
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
No feeding now.
Bright spot, east or west window.
Keep it away from radiators; watch for spider mites in the dry air.
November · now
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
No feeding now.
Bright spot, east or west window.
December
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – less often in winter, with room-temperature water.
No feeding now.
Warm room (above 12 °C), at the brightest window, away from radiators and draughts.
Spider mites love dry heated air – check the undersides of the leaves.
Pinch the tips regularly to keep it bushy rather than leggy.
Polka dot plant – what to know
Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) belongs to the Acanthaceae family (genus Hypoestes) and is listed in our catalog under “Houseplant”. Its needs – light: bright indirect; water: medium; humidity: medium. Keep it above 12 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter. Easy enough for beginners. It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. Nobody on Perfect Plants Club has added it to their collection yet – be the first!
All Hypoestes species in the catalog →Detailed toxicity data →
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Polka dot plant?
Moderately: water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, and never let it sit in standing water.
How much light does Polka dot plant need?
It likes bright but indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window.
How cold can Polka dot plant get?
Keep it above 12 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter.
Is Polka dot plant toxic to cats and dogs?
It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Tips and questions about this species
Care data is for guidance only.
Log in to comment.