- Colorful Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light)
- Above Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 12 Inches
- Pet Safe
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 Plant
Red 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 Requirements
This 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 Care
Red 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 Plant
Red 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 Plant
Fertilize 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 Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Above Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Moderate |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Fast |
Mature Height: 12 inches |
Mature Spread: 1-2 feet |
Flowering: No |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
Fragrant: No |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
Foliage Description: Varigated, Red and Green |
Temperature: Above 50 °F (Above 10 ) |
Humidity: Average (40% - 60%) |
Common Name: Red Polka Dot Plant |
Other Name(s): Polka Dot Plant |
Scientific Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Red' |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Hypoestes_Red-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.