Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a lively little plant with brightly speckled leaves — pink, white, or red spattered over green — that pop against ferns and other greenery. A perennial in warm climates, often grown as a cheerful annual elsewhere. ✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Carefully Packed Live Plant · ✓ Ships Across the Continental U.S. · ✓ 48-Hour Live-Arrival GuaranteeNatural variation expected with live plants Botanical Label Common name: Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' Botanical name: Hypoestes phyllostachya Pot size: 4" nursery pot Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates medium; no harsh direct sun Water: keeping the soil lightly and evenly moist (don't let it fully dry out). Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. Growth style: Pink, white, or red speckled "polka dot" leaves. Mature size: Grows into a fuller plant over time — mature size can vary by growing conditions. Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions. Pet safety: Pet-friendly — considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). As with any plant, discourage pets from nibbling. Best for: Bright bathrooms, kitchens, shelves, and desks. Vibe/personality: A characterful foliage houseplant. Curator's Note: Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' is grown for its pink, white, or red speckled "polka dot" leaves — the "polka dot plant" (Hypoestes), speckled with pink, white, or red; considered non-toxic to pets (ASPCA). It brings a fresh, living accent to a bright spot indoors. Continue the Collection Browse more tropical houseplants → Explore pet-friendly plants → Browse all live plants → Why It Belongs in Your Collection Eye-catching pink, white, or red speckled "polka dot" leaves Approachable, houseplant-friendly care Adds a fresh, leafy feel to a room Grows fuller and more established over time A lovely pick for a gift or your own collection Care Notes from the Greenhouse Light: Bright, indirect light keeps Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' looking its best, and it tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Watering: Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist — Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' likes steady moisture and can wilt or crisp if it dries out fully. Don't let it sit in water, and ease off in winter. Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity — dry air can brown the leaf edges, so a pebble tray or humidifier helps. Temperature: Typical room temperatures (about 65–80°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and hot, dry vents. Soil: A good, well-draining potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter. Good to know: Pinch back tips and any flower spikes to keep it bushy; bright light keeps the spots vivid. Care tip: Give it the right light and consistent watering, and Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' stays full and healthy. Best Display Spots A bright spot with indirect light: where it can really thrive. Shelf or plant stand: an easy, leafy accent. Desk or tabletop: a fresh touch of green. Bright bathroom or kitchen: enjoys the extra humidity. Office with good light: low-fuss greenery. Best For / Think Twice If Best for: Bright, indirect-light spots Beginners who want easy greenery Shelves, desks, and brightening a corner Think twice if: Very dark rooms People who often forget to water — it dislikes drying out fully Spots with harsh, direct sun all day Anyone wanting a totally hands-off plant Botanical Exhibit Notes Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' is the "polka dot plant" (Hypoestes), speckled with pink, white, or red; considered non-toxic to pets (ASPCA). It does best in bright, indirect light — the right light keeps it full and healthy. It appreciates higher humidity, so a bright bathroom or a pebble tray suits it well. It is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), making it a pet-friendly choice. With steady care it can live and grow for years indoors, though its size and look can vary depending on growing conditions. From Our Greenhouse to Your Home Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit. During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue. Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives. Plant Questions, Answered How often should I water Hypoestes 'Polka Dot'?Water keeping the soil lightly and evenly moist (don't let it fully dry out). It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy. What kind of light does Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' need?Bright, indirect light keeps Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' looking its best, and it tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Is Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' pet safe?Yes — Hypoestes 'Polka Dot' is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), a popular pet-friendly choice. As with any plant, it's best to discourage pets from nibbling. Why is my polka dot plant leggy or fading?Too little light fades the spots and stretches it. Give it bright, indirect light and pinch it back to stay compact.
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