Learn about the unique and vibrant Polka Dot Plant, its care instructions, and how to take care of this beautiful plant, all in our informative blog post.
Those who are fond of plant décor and indoor gardens must be familiar with this foliage plant. The polka dot plant is a luxurious and lush plant that, by the scientifically advanced hybridization process, grows in many beautiful colors. This plant is loved by many due to the polka dot-like mixture of two colors on its leaves, hence known as a polka dot plant. In this blog post, I will give you descriptive information about Polka dot Plants, How to grow them, and how to take care of them!
Table of Contents
What is the polka dot plant?
The Polka dot plant, scientifically known as Hypoestes Phyllostachys, is a foliage plant used in gardening and beautifying the exteriors of houses and buildings. It originated from Madagascar and was genetically engineered to enhance its beauty and increase the range of colors it is found in.
This plant is known for the beauty of its leaves and not the flowers, which are very small and invisible. The plant blooms in warm weather, usually at the end of summer. It can be gardened in indoor and outdoor areas to give a luxurious appearance to the exterior.
Where does the polka dot plant come from?
The polka dot is native to Madagascar, South Africa, and is of the family Acanthaceae. Its growth is best in warm weather and long days, and flowers at the end of summer or the beginning of fall, thus adding to the calm beauty of fall. When placed indoors, the plant can sustain in cold weather but optimally grows in a warm and humid environment.
Polka dot requires the soil to contain a little moisture, with a thriving drainage system and a neutral pH value of around 7. The sun exposure required by Hypoestes Phyllostachys is partial, meaning that it will grow better in good sunlight, but can also sustain for a short time without direct sunlight.
DIY Growing Polka dot plant?
Foliage plants are usually planted at homes and are easy to take care of; the polka dot is similar. Growing a polka dot plant at home is quite simple; you need to follow the following steps:
Find a well-sunlit corner of your house
The polka dot requires partial exposure to the sun, which means that it does not need strong direct sunlight, and can grow in a shadowy area where sun rays can reach and nourish the plant. For example, if you are growing your plant indoors, the area right next to the window where direct sun exposure is not present, but sun rays can make their way to reach the plant. However, if you plan to grow the plant outdoors, place it in a shaded area where the environment is warm and humid.
Sow the seeds and water them
After selecting a good location, sow the seeds in a pot or plant container and water them regularly to supply a moisture-containing environment to the plant.
Provide the growing plant with a good fertilizer
When growing, the plant needs nutrients and minerals, which are obtained from the soil, but in areas where the soil is not as nutritious, the plant needs an external source of nutrition. Such sources include fertilizers like nitrogen fertilizers, macronutrient fertilizers, etc.
Groom the plant regularly
Usual trimming of the leaves and stems is required so that the plant looks neat and achieves a faster growth rate. Regular trimming also saves the plant from disease progression if a disease has been acquired.
Diseases and pests of the polka dot plant
Like any other plant, there are some pests that enjoy the polka dot. They include mealybugs, blackflies, aphids, thrips, etc. These pests obtain their nutrition from the polka dot plant and cause damage to their leaves, and the plant eventually dies.
Softening and yellowing of the leaves is a common plant disease, the etiology of which is related to nutrient deficiencies, and it can get better with nutrient supplies. Some other plant diseases cause the leaves to dry out and obtain a curvature or eventually shed.
The treatment of polka dot diseases involves spraying the plant with bactericides or fungicides.
How to take care of the Polka dot plant?
Taking care of your polka-dot plant is not complicated, you just have to keep a few things in mind.
- Firstly, expose this plant to only bright and indirect light. As it will help the plant keep its colors vibrant. Keep your Polka dot in a place where its easy for sunlight to hit the plant directly to avoid color fading. In order to avoid direct sunlight you can place it at a window where the plant can get a few hours of indirect sunlight every day.
- Secondly, your plant needs moisture all the time, so you should water them regularly. However, it is not very fond of soggy soil so avoid over-watering your plant.
- Thirdly, your plant needs food so feed them with any organic fertilizer once in a while for proper growth. You can find great fertilizers for home plants at the market and can use them for your polka dot once a month.
- Fourthly, you need to get your plant’s pruning done on a regular basis as the Hypoestes love getting cleaned up. Take clean and sharp scissors and get their branches cut every now and then.
- Lastly, they can not survive in extreme weather conditions so if you are planning to plant them outside make sure you do that during the spring season. Moreover, they can withstand temperatures of around 75F to 80F so try to keep them in the shade in case they are outside.
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Final Words
The polka dot plant is a decorative plant native to Madagascar and other parts of South Africa, where it grows in warm and humid environments. It serves as a beautifying source for indoor and outdoor gardens and can be planted on the borders of grounds to alleviate its beauty. These plants require regular trimming and grooming to enhance their beauty, and they can be grown in various colors and polka-dot forms.
