The polka dot plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya, is known as a classic terrarium plant, but it is so much more versatile than that. It is also an excellent feature in both indoor and outdoor plantings. The eye-catching spotted foliage adds color and whimsy to the shady areas of the landscape. The most popular variety is the pink polka dot plant with dark green leaves and pink spots. The are other varieties bring joy in rare variables of white, red or rose-pink coloring with spots or irregular patterns.
Hypoestes phyllostachya is native to South Africa, Madagascar and southeast Asia. The polka dot plant is hardy to USDA zones 10-11 making it the perfect annual or houseplant. As a tender tropical plant the polka dot plant prefers warm temperatures, high humidity and protection from direct sun. The compact mounding habit is manageable in a terrarium and well-suited for containers, hanging baskets, bedding plants, or edging for pathways and borders. Here’s how to grow and use polka dot plant in your home or landscape.
Polka dot plants, with their signature pink-speckled leaves, are one of the most popular plants for terrariums. Their bright pops of color and bushy growth habit make them an eye-catching addition to any indoor garden. But are polka dot plants actually a good fit for terrarium life?
The short answer is yes – with proper care, these plants can thrive in the warm, humid conditions of a terrarium. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow polka dot plants in terrariums, including:
- Polka Dot Plant Basics
- Ideal Growing Conditions
- Choosing the Right Terrarium
- Best Soil for Polka Dot Plants
- Proper Watering and Humidity
- Ensuring Adequate Light
- Encouraging Healthy Growth
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Tips for Propagation
The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a beloved indoor plant native to Madagascar. It’s nicknamed for the pink splotches on its green leaves, though you can also find varieties with white, red or lavender spots. These low-growing shrubs reach 10-20 inches tall at maturity.
One of the best features of polka dot plants is how easy they are to grow. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them a foolproof choice for beginning gardeners. Their vibrant foliage also adds a pop of color to indoor spaces.
Polka dot plants are classified as shade plants, preferring bright indirect light rather than direct sun. They require high humidity levels of 50-60%. Warm temperatures between 60-80°F are ideal. With the right care, these plants will thrive and grow bushy in confined spaces like terrariums.
Creating the Perfect Polka Dot Terrarium Environment
Terrariums provide the warm, humid conditions polka dot plants love. Here are some tips for optimizing your terrarium environment:
Choosing a Terrarium
Polka dot plants are versatile and can grow in open or closed terrariums. Select a container that’s large enough to accommodate growth but not oversized. For one plant, a 1-2 gallon tank or large glass jar works well. Make sure the container has ventilation if closed.
The Best Soil Mix
Use a rich, organic potting mix with added perlite for drainage. A good starting blend is equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite or bark chips. Soil should retain some moisture but not get waterlogged.
Perfect Temperature
Polka dots thrive at 60-80°F. Keep your terrarium in a warm spot away from drafty windows or air vents. Maintain indoor temperatures in this range. Monitor conditions with a thermometer.
Proper Watering
Check soil moisture daily and water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Polka dot plants need consistently damp soil. Water until it drains from the drainage holes, then dump out excess from the drainage tray.
High Humidity is Key
Aim for 70-90% humidity inside the terrarium. Mist the leaves daily or place a shallow water tray filled with pebbles under the plants. Close the lid partially or fully to contain moisture.
Bright Indirect Light
Situate your terrarium near an east or west facing window where it will receive bright indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Avoid direct hot midday sun which can burn leaves.
Encouraging Healthy Polka Dot Plant Growth
With proper care, your polka dot plant will quickly fill out your terrarium with vibrant green and pink foliage. Here are some tips to keep it thriving:
- Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushy growth
- Turn the container periodically for even lighting
- Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season
- Prune back overgrown plants to fit the space
Trim off any yellow or browned leaves promptly. Propagate by taking 4-6 inch cuttings and rooting in water before replanting.
Troubleshooting Common Polka Dot Plant Problems
While these plants are generally easy going, they can encounter a few issues in terrarium environments:
- Leggy growth – Not enough light
- Leaf drop – Underwatering
- Wilting – Low humidity
- Brown leaf edges – Too much light or low humidity
- Slow growth – Low temperatures or fertilizer needed
- Mold – Poor airflow and overly wet soil
Make adjustments to lighting, watering, humidity, or temperature to resolve any problems.
Propagating Polka Dot Plants for More Easy-Care Greenery
One of the best parts of growing polka dot plants is how simple they are to propagate. Snip off 4-6 inch stem tip cuttings just below a leaf node and place them in a jar of water. Roots will sprout in just a week or two!
Once rooted, plant each cutting in its own small pot with well-draining soil. Keep freshly propagated plants in bright, indirect light while they establish. In a few months, you’ll have brand new polka dot plants ready for your terrarium or as gifts for fellow plant lovers.
The vigorous growth and vivid pink polka dots make these plants a highlight of any enclosed garden. As long as you provide the right care, polka dot plants will thrive and add enduring beauty to your indoor oasis. Give them a try – these low-maintenance, vibrant wonders are sure to become fast favorites!
How much sunlight does a polka dot plant need?
Polka dot plant grows natively underneath tropical forest canopies in dappled sun or open shade. Plant in a spot with partial shade to full shade and protect from direct sun.
TRY THESE PROVEN WINNERS® VARIETIES
The polka dot plant comes in different colors and patterns to suit a variety of garden styles and color schemes. The Hippo® series has larger leaves and more vigorous growth than other polka dot plants.
Try these varieties in your landscape:
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Hippo® Rose Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostacha) produces irregularly patterned leaves with green and deep rose-pink coloring. This versatile variety adds a vibrant pop of color to pots, hanging baskets and beds. |
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Hippo® White Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostacha) has dark green foliage with clean white splashes. Add cool elegance to beds and borders with this classic variety that pairs well with any color or garden style. |
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Hippo® Red Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostacha) produces oval-shaped green foliage with splotches of bright red. Add drama to shady spots and combine with other boldly colored foliage plants such as caladium and coleus. |
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FAQ
Can I put a polka dot plant in a terrarium?
As a tender tropical plant the polka dot plant prefers warm temperatures, high humidity and protection from direct sun. The compact mounding habit is manageable in a terrarium and well-suited for containers, hanging baskets, bedding plants, or edging for pathways and borders.
What plants are best for a terrarium?
- Ferns. First up, ferns are an excellent choice. …
- Mosses. Mosses are another fantastic option for closed terrariums. …
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant) Fittonia, also known as Nerve Plant, is another star player. …
- Pilea. Pilea ‘Greyzy’ is another excellent choice. …
- Calathea. …
- Ivy. …
- Parlour Palm. …
- Ficus Ginseng.
What plants should not be in a terrarium?
Succulents and cacti will never survive living in a closed terrarium. They do not care for humidity or moist environments. There are many non-succulent plants that would be unhappy in a terrarium. I learned the hard way that one of the favorites for fairy gardens, creeping thyme, will die in a moist environment.
Is polka dot plant air purifying?
It is also tolerant of low light levels, making it suitable for spaces that receive limited natural light. Air Purification: The Polka Dot Plant has been shown to remove harmful chemicals from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality.