Known as a novelty indoor plant, the polka dot plant can also be used as an outdoor bedding plant.
The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) has emerged as a striking outdoor bedding plant that can be used to brighten borders or containers in those difficult shaded areas.
The polka dots that give this colourful plant its name and spatter its foliage like a work of modern art come primarily in pink. However, hybrids are available with red spotting, white and a lighter shade of green. A hybrid with pink leaves and green spots is also available.
Native to Madagascar, this is a bushy tropical plant with pointed oval leaves covered in soft down. The plant produces small spiky clusters of pink or blue flowers, but these are not particularly extravagant or showy and it is for their colourful leaves that Hypoestes phyllostachya tend to be cultivated.
 |
Grown indoors in pots, or in window boxes or patio containers, these delicate plants look delightful. They can be grown individually or with a mixture of other suitable house plants. Being low-growing they are great bedding plants and will rapidly spread to add colour to borders and difficult shady areas. They look good following the contour of a path and combine nicely with impatiens, New Guinea impatiens or caladiums.
Hypoestes phyllostachya grow best in filtered sunshine and the plants will exhibit more pronounced colour in partial shade than full sun. However, the leaves can also fade out if starved of light. Being tropical, the plant prefers a damp and humid environment. Occasional misting with warm water may be necessary to maintain a healthy plant if grown indoors.
This vivid plant has few pest problems, but it can be vulnerable to disease such as powdery mildew and root rot. It may also become infested with whiteflies, aphids and mealybugs. If left untended polka dot plants will get leggy, particularly in low levels of light, and under ideal growing conditions they can reach up to 80cm in height and width. So it is best to keep them more compact by regular pinching out of growing tips and flowers, and do not be afraid to cut this plant back hard almost to the base.
A porous soil mix high in organic matter is best for growing Hypoestes phyllostachya. If the soil is not particularly well aerated then sand or peat moss can be added. Water the plant well when they are actively growing and the plant will respond. It is best to use rainwater. If using tap water, allow the water to settle for 24 hours so that acidic chemicals can dissipate from it. Once established this vigorous plant will benefit from a periodic dose of diluted liquid fertiliser.
It is important to remember not to let this plant dry out in winter. If grown in a dish or shallow container, pebbles or gravel will hold water and increase humidity. Dead flowers should be removed. Pruning will keep it bushy and show the plant at its best.
- Information Supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association
