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Polka dot plant

How to identify Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka dot plant, also known as Baby's tears, Measles plant

Polka dot plant is distinguishable by its ovate leaves speckled with contrasting hues, earning its name from the polka-dot-like patterns. These vibrant leaves typically span 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in width and exhibit a mix of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and green. Its growth habit is bushy, reaching an average height of up to 24 inches (60 cm), which may vary with different hybrids. The foliage's striking pigmentation and overall lush appearance make polka dot plant an attractive choice for both indoor and outdoor displays.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Polka dot plant

1

Ovate leaves with polka-dot patterns in pink, red, white, and green.

2

Bushy growth up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall, varying with hybrids.

3

Small tubular flowers in clusters, with pale pink to lavender hues.

4

Leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, green with lavender, red, or pink spots.

5

Visible vein pattern and glossy texture on leaves, making them decorative.

Polka dot plantPolka dot plantPolka dot plantPolka dot plantPolka dot plant

Detailed Traits of Polka dot plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of polka dot plant are oval-shaped and range from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. They exhibit a striking pattern with green as the primary color, accented with distinctive spots of lavender, red, or pink. The texture of the leaves is somewhat smooth with a slight gloss. The vein pattern is clearly visible, contributing to the decorative appearance of the foliage. The vibrant and varied spotting makes these leaves particularly recognizable and attractive.

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,
Ovate

Polka dot plant Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Circular

Polka dot plant Leaf Base image
Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Polka dot plant Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acute

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
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Flower Features

Polka dot plant flowers are small, typically less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in size, and grow in clusters. They possess a tubular shape with a subtle lavender to pale pink hue. The petals are fused into a tube at the base, spreading into lobes at the opening, and typically display a two-lipped structure. These flowers are not notably fragrant and bloom sporadically throughout the year, often overshadowed by the vibrant foliage. Their understated appearance makes them less prominent but still characteristic of polka dot plant.

Polka dot plant Flower image
Corolla Type

Bilabiate

Inflorescence Type

Spike

Learn About the Flower Glossary
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Fruit Features

Fruit Type

Capsule

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Key Facts About Polka dot plant

Attributes of Polka dot plant
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 50 cm
Spread
40 cm to 50 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Variegated
White
Red
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Polka dot plant

Family
Acanthus
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Species
Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Learn More About the Polka dot plant

Distribution Map of Polka dot plant

Polka dot plant is native to Madagascar, growing along waterways, woodlands, and rainforest margins. It has been introduced as a garden plant in India, Mexico, Central America, Australia, and a few South American countries. In Australia, the plant has become widely naturalized and is considered an invasive weed.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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