Find out the history behind polka dot plant. Discover where the plant is from and how it got its name. Fun stories behind how the polka dot came to be growing in our indoor gardens.
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Today is another edition of Plant Stories, and this one features the polka dot plant, Hypoestes. I love this plant; it’s one of my favorites! As you can see, it adds beautiful color to your indoor garden and is just a lovely plant to grow. It’s also very easy to care for. I do have a video on how to grow them, which tells you all about the ins and outs of growing them.
As mentioned, today I’m going to talk a little about their history and how they came to be in our indoor gardens, along with some fun facts. This plant is native to Madagascar and is a member of the Acanthaceae family, which includes an assortment of tropical herbs with showy foliage. Fittonia is another plant that belongs to that family.
Under ideal conditions, the polka dot plant can grow up to 30 inches high and wide, but that’s in its native habitat. In your indoor garden, they can reach about two to three times the size of this one right here when they’re well cared for and receive all that they need.
Interestingly, even though I refer to them as variegated plants, the color patterns on the leaves are not true variegation; they’re actually referred to as figurative patterning. This is the same kind of system that gives a zebra its stripes or Holstein cows their spots. If you didn’t know this, plants have a similar DNA to humans. So, in this case, while we’re discussing animals, it fits in here, so I thought I’d throw that in.
In the wild, the spotting on Hypoestes is usually small in size, giving the plant an overall green appearance. That’s where it gets the polka dot name from. Plant breeders have been hybridizing them, creating a lot of different series. These are from the Splash series, and through this process, the variegation and patterning have changed somewhat, resulting in many really cool patterns and contrasting colors.
Madagascar is an island nation off the south coast of Africa and has unique climates and topography. It is well-known for vanilla beans and lemurs, but the polka dot plant is another beauty that comes from that area of the world.
These polka dot plants are pretty readily available nowadays in retailers, and they do very well in terrariums. I have a series on creating terrariums that will tell you how to make one, and you can include these guys in your terrariums.
As mentioned, they’re called polka dot plants. Other common names include Freckle Face, which is funny, and Flamingo Plant, possibly because of the vibrant colors. You might also hear the name “Babies Tears,” although that’s not as commonly used since it refers to another type of plant generally grown outdoors. Another amusing name you may encounter is Measles Plant.
As noted, there are various hybridized series of these plants, with Splash being one of them. Another is Confetti, which aptly describes how they look.
These plants were first grown in English homes around 1840. This coincides with the time when England had strong footholds in Madagascar, so it stands to reason that some plant lovers visiting Madagascar would spot these beauties and take them home to their gardens. Houseplants gained quite a bit of notoriety in English homes during the 1800s, coinciding with a period in horticultural history when Europeans were introduced to a large number of imported plants.
So, nowadays, as mentioned, you’ll see them in terrariums and also in container arrangements. These are really nice plants to include in mixed planters with other green or vining plants like Pothos or some ivy. They do really well together and look beautiful that way too.
You may occasionally see them flower; they produce long sprays of small purple and sometimes whitish flower spikes with a little bit of green in there too. If you do see that, be sure to pinch it off, as the plant may start to finish for you. If that happens, go ahead and pinch it back, but you can take a look at it and snap some pictures before doing so.
Once again, this is a really nice plant. I love this plant! Check out the care video if you want to learn how to keep it nice, healthy, and happy. In the meantime, you’ve got some background on the plant and how it came to be such a lovely addition to our gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Polka Dot Plants
What is a polka dot plant?
The polka dot plant, scientifically known as Hypoestes, is a tropical plant native to Madagascar. It is known for its vibrant color patterns and is a popular choice for indoor gardening.
How tall can a polka dot plant grow?
Under ideal conditions, the polka dot plant can grow up to 30 inches high and wide in its native habitat. In an indoor garden, it can reach about two to three times the size of a typical potted plant.
What is the significance of the plant’s name?
The name “polka dot” comes from the spotting on the leaves, which resembles polka dots. The spotting is due to a phenomenon called figurative patterning rather than true variegation.
What are some common names for the polka dot plant?
Other common names include Freckle Face, Flamingo Plant, and occasionally Babies Tears and Measles Plant.
When did polka dot plants become popular in homes?
Polka dot plants were first grown in English homes around 1840, during a time when many plants were being imported to Europe, making houseplants increasingly popular.
Can polka dot plants be used in terrariums?
Yes! Polka dot plants do very well in terrariums and are often included in mixed planters with other green or vining plants like Pothos or ivy.
What should I do if my polka dot plant flowers?
If you see flowers on your polka dot plant, it’s best to pinch them off, as flowering may cause the plant to finish early. However, you can take pictures of the flowers before doing so.
Are polka dot plants easy to care for?
Yes, polka dot plants are considered easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. For detailed care tips, check out our care video.
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