Red Polka Dot Plant

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

6 - 18 Inches

Mature Spread

1 - 2 Feet

Feature

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.  

SKU:

Hypoestes_Red-HP