How to Grow and Care for Hypoestes

The polka dot plant, also known as Hypoestes phyllostachya, has spots of colors on its variegated spiky leaves. This common houseplant is most often pink, but white and red varieties can be found. To make the color in the leaves of the polka dot plant as vibrant as possible, place it in indirect but bright sunlight.

Ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can grow as tall as a person. It blooms from fall to winter with violet-blue flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. The ribbon bush grows in full sun and partial shade, and is tolerant of salty coastal areas.

The bright-colored leaves of polka dot plant 'Splash Pink' make it stand out vividly in shade gardens. The leaves have a green base partially covered in pink splashes, which give the plant its common name Polka dot plant. This distinctive coloration is even more pronounced in this cultivar than on the parent plant, even though it is a more compact grower.

Hypoestes purpurea is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial known for its striking foliage. The leaves bear a unique polka-dot pattern, with splashes of pink or purple against a dark green background. It thrives in warm, shaded environments, preferring humid conditions. This plant typically stays compact, making it a popular choice for indoor ornamental use or as understory in tropical gardens.

The polka dot plant 'Confetti Pink' is a boldly-colored cultivar that looks like it has been sprayed with pink confetti. With colors ranging from light pink to a deeper magenta, this plant's leaves are covered in speckles and splotches, so much so that they are often more pink than green. An easy way to add a splash of color to any space, this cultivar is very popular as a house or office plant.