Care Guide
Hypoestes

Meet the Hypoestes
The Hypoestes, commonly known as the Polka Dot Plant, is celebrated for its vibrant, speckled foliage in shades of pink, red, and white. Native to Madagascar, this compact houseplant thrives in bright, indirect light and adds a playful touch to any indoor space. Easy to care for, it prefers consistently moist soil and a humid environment, making it a favorite for terrariums or as a standalone decorative piece.


Light
Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plant) thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight may cause the vibrant leaf colors to fade, while too little light can make the plant leggy.

Pet Friendly
YES - Pet Safe!

Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and reduce watering during the winter months. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Humidity
This plant loves high humidity. Consider misting it regularly or placing it near a humidifier to prevent leaf edges from browning in dry conditions.

Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid exposing it to drafts, sudden temperature changes, or temperatures below 60°F (15°C).

Difficulty Level
Medium
Common Problems Q&A
Why are my Hypoestes leaves turning brown or crispy?
Browning or crispy leaves are often caused by insufficient humidity, underwatering, or excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Hypoestes thrives in high-humidity environments with bright, indirect light. To remedy this, mist the plant regularly, place a humidifier nearby, or group it with other plants to increase humidity. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy.
Why is my Hypoestes plant becoming leggy?
Legginess occurs when the plant is not receiving enough light. Hypoestes prefers bright, indirect sunlight; insufficient light causes it to stretch toward the light source. Move the plant closer to a bright window or use a grow light. Regularly pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Why is my Hypoestes plant losing its vibrant color?
A loss of vibrant color can result from low light, overwatering, or lack of nutrients. Hypoestes needs bright, indirect light to maintain its colorful foliage. Avoid overwatering by letting the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
