Plant Library

Polka Dot Plant Care Guide

Hypoestes phyllostachya

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 6 Nov 2026 · How we research · Report an error

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The polka dot plant has leaves speckled pink, red or white and is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It is small, cheap and colorful, though it can get leggy.

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Light

Bright indirect light. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.

Water

Keep lightly moist; it wilts dramatically when dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity: medium to high. Most houseplants prefer 60-80°F (16-27°C) and dislike cold drafts and heating vents.

Soil and feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite for air. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.

Our tip

Pinch the tips regularly to keep it bushy, and remove flower spikes.

Common problems

• Leggy growth: Not enough light, or flowering; pinch back.
• Collapsing: Dried out; water and it usually recovers within hours.
• Fading spots: Too little light.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), according to the ASPCA plant list. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.