Red Polka Dot Plant

Size

Red Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Red'), also known by the name of Freckle Face Plant, is a cheery, eye-catching beauty native to Madagascar where they are known to grow up to 3 feet tall.

As a houseplant, this little beauty typically is more compact, growing around 8 – 12 inches tall. Plant it by itself or mix it with other polka dot varieties for a dazzling colorful foliage display.

Best Locations For Growing Red Polka Dot PlantRed Polka Dot plant prefers room temperatures in the 65 – 75 degree F range, and plenty of bright indirect light. This plant appreciates ample humidity, particularly during dry winter months. You can mist it regularly or place it in a humid location such as a kitchen or bathroom. You can place Red Polka Dot plants in an east-facing window, where they only receive direct sunlight in the morning, or set them farther back from a west- or south-facing window. Red Polka Dot Plant Sunlight RequirementsThis plant prefers medium to bright indirect light. It can get leggy or lose its pretty mottling spots in lower-light situations. Avoid direct light as it can burn delicate leaves or make them curl. Red Polka Dot Plant CareRed Polka Dot plant appreciates a slightly acidic, humus-rich, well-draining potting mix. To keep your Red Polka Dot plant bushy, pinch the stems back regularly once the shoots are around 10 inches to maintain a full appearance. This plant grows easily from seed; alternatively, you can take cuttings and plant them in soil once the roots form. Watering Red Polka Dot PlantRed Polka Dot plant prefers to be planted in evenly moist, fast-draining soil. Avoid leaving water in the saucer sitting under the pot. Its roots are very delicate and cannot tolerate soggy conditions. Wilting foliage is a sign of dry conditions, including a lack of humidity. If your plant is overwatered, its leaves will turn yellow and fall off the plant. If possible, water with room-temperature, filtered water. Feeding Red Polka Dot PlantFertilize once or twice per month during spring through early fall with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 or 1/4 the strength recommended on the label.

Red Polka Dot Plant InformationLight Exposure: Bright Indirect LightCare Requirements: EasyWatering Requirements: Above Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.

Pet Friendly: YesKid Friendly: YesAir Purifier: ModerateHabit: UprightGrowth Rate: FastMature Height: 12 inchesMature Spread: 1-2 feetFlowering: NoFlower Color(s): NoneFlower Shade/Description: Grown for FoliageFragrant: NoFoliage Type: Foliage Color(s): Green, RedFoliage Description: Varigated, Red and GreenTemperature: Above 50 F (Above 10 )Humidity: Average (40% - 60%)Common Name: Red Polka Dot PlantOther Name(s): Polka Dot PlantScientific Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Red'Plant Type: House Plant