Polka Dot plants have become some of the most loved houseplants. They are easy to grow and maintain and add wonderful color to an indoor gardenscape. Growing these tender perennials outdoors is becoming more popular and is just as easy and rewarding. Although the true hardiness zone for Hypoestes is USDA zones 10-11, they are grown as seasonal annuals in all other parts of the United States. Used as bedding plants or container plants, they can add a touch of tropical color and texture to most outdoor spaces.
When To Put Polka Dot Plant Outside
Tender annuals like the Polka Dot plant will need protection from cold temperatures below 50F (10C) and should not be planted outdoors until other better-known summer annuals like lantana, Pentas, and big-leaf Begonias are put outside in late spring. For gardeners with cold microclimates, a good rule of thumb is to wait to put houseplants outside until you plant your peppers and tomatoes. Typically well after the average frost date for your area.
When To Bring Polka Dot Plant Indoors
In the late summer, nighttime temperatures can begin to fall quickly. When there are a few nights of temperatures predicted below 55F (12C) it will be time to transition your Polka Dot plant to the indoors. Even though the Polka Dot plant thrives in partial shade outdoors, it needs much brighter conditions inside where the quality of light is much weaker. The change of light levels should take 3-5 days so that there is no risk of the Polka Dot plant being scorched or sunburned.
Place the plant in a position that is low light but near the indirect bright light the plant will need later. Quarantine should be practiced if there are any signs that your Polka Dot plant has a pest or disease infestation. The most common pest is Aphids which can be easily hosed off plants or eliminated using a proprietary insect soap spray and keeping the plant away from others until all signs of the insects are gone.
Caring For Polka Dot Plant Outdoors
Polka Dot plants like well-draining soil that is moisture-retentive and rich in nutrients. Garden beds should have a granular slow-release fertilizer added at the time of planting. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio near 10-10-10. Semi-shaded locations are ideal for growing Polka Dot plants outdoors. Protection from the hottest sun of the day is crucial for retaining the vibrant colors of foliage and encouraging a mounded shape.
Polka Dot plants are also great to add to mixed seasonal containers for a covered patio or deck area. Treat the plants like other annual fillers. They can be planted quite close to provide a colorful base for tall thrillers like Begonias, Coleus, ferns, or Hostas.
Pots that need extra drainage can be set on bricks or dedicated ‘pot feet’ to give them a couple of inches of extra space for the water to drain. Ensure that containers are well away from the edges of roof eaves or the outlets for downspouts if you garden in a location with heavy summer rains. Polka Dot plants may need to be moved to a protected location before heavy summer rainstorms and may not recover from hail or high winds.
Sources:
“Bringing Houseplants Outside” North Carolina Extension, www.buncombemastergardener.org
 |
Author Robbin Small - Published 12-27-2024 |