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The polka battery-acid plant ( Hypoestes phyllostachya ) is avibrant houseplantcoveted for its brightly - colored leaf . This evergreensubshrub ( a woody dwarf shrub ) aboriginal to Madagascar makes a marvelous addition to your dwelling décor . It can grow up to three feet improbable and wide-eyed , and its profuse , bushy , heavily spotted foliage is trusted to draw attending .
This decorative plant is down in the mouth - maintenance but requires some extra attentionregarding watering . Learn the correct way to water your polka dot plant , the signs of under- and overwatering , and general care tip .
Determine if Your Plant Needs Watering
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Polka dot plants prefer moist grime ; however , soggy soil can lead to root rot and do the leaves to turn an untempting yellow-bellied coloration . Therefore , it ’s crucial not to overwater them .
To avoid doing so , moderate by inserting your finger in the grease to determine whether your works is quick for watering . urine the plant life if the top quarter to half an in of the grime feels slightly dry to the speck . Avoid letting the filth dry out completely .
If you see your industrial plant becoming limp , switch colour , or a foul scent is coming from the filth , these are signs of overwatering . Gnats are also attracted to the muddy medium , creating more problems then you ’d like . likewise , the plant will show these sign if underwatered except the soil will look ironical and the leaves will fall off .
Water Your Plant
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Water the plant , but do not drench the soil as it can have waterlogged soil , powdery mildew , and even root rotting . The plant prefers staying moist , yet overwatering can run to an distressed plant ( discussed below ) . Thus , if you notice the water accumulate on the surface , it means you areoverwatering the plant .
Most often , your polka dot works will need water once or twice a week . However , make indisputable to always check the soil before doing so . piddle until the excess water starts trickling from the drain holes on the bottom to ensure that the roots do n’t stand in water supply .
Polka dit plants are sensible to thesalts in tap water , so use either distil , dribble , or pull in rain water . you’re able to also leave the rap water in an heart-to-heart container overnight to leave the chemical substance to dissolve if you do not have access to distilled or filtered water .
Adjust the Water Frequency With the Season
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Polka acid plants have their active emergence form in the summer , with probable blossoming in late summer or fall .
The combination of hot , cheery stipulation can dry out the soil faster . Hence , you should be more vigilant when looking for the possiblesigns of underwatering . ensure to increase the watering oftenness in summer to ensure gorgeous colors and a good for you plant .
You should also keep the soil evenly moist during spring and dusk . Once wintertime comes around , you’re able to reduce the watering frequency since there is usually special spark and the works is not in an active growing phase .
Signs of an Unhappy Polka Dot Plant
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Polka dot plant life are most commonly used indoors for their tinted leaf to add a dada of color to your home . However , if the plant set about to lose its color , it takes off from the dish of its striking foliation .
Incorrect watering can often lead to fade folio , so if you observe your polka dot industrial plant is n’t as glossy as it used to be , stop for the usual mark that your plant is underwatered or overwatered .
Dehydrated Plant
Polka dot plants hail from tropic environments and wry territory results in the wilt of its beautiful leaves . If the industrial plant remains dehydrated for a retentive metre , it can do the leaves to neglect . The plant can also die due to grievous dryness .
If you point out the foliage drooping and dry soil , immediately irrigate the industrial plant . Chances are your green friend will make a quick and complete recovery and the leaves wo n’t show any evidential harm once they recuperate .
Soggy Plant
If the roots are waterlogged due toexcessive watering , it causes them to decay . finally , the leaves turn yellow and drop off . If you notice yellow leaves , check up on for root rot . Soft , mushy , brown , shameful roots with an unpleasant odour indicate root rot .
Treating this inauspicious effect is more involved than reviving a dehydrated works . Examine the unnatural plant life roots and take away the rotting ones using uninfected , disinfected scissors . Once you have get aside all the decaying roots , take away as much stain as potential , and repot the plant with smart potting mix .
Remember to also clean the pot to guarantee no problematical residual is left behind .
Pro Tips for Polka Dot Plant Care
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The polka dotplant is usually low - sustentation , making it a beloved houseplant . It thrives in plenty of filtered light source from a south- or west - facing window . However , direct sun will scorch its beautiful leaves , which will then begin to curl .
Since it ’s atropical works , it prefers high humidness and a warm climate . Ideally , keep temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit , as colder temperature hinder ontogeny . They also like a high humidness stratum of 50 percent and above . You may require to place a humidifier near the plant , mist the leaves , or place it in your bathroom .
fertilise the plant every two week from springiness to fall , using a balanced light fertiliser load by half . spring up your polka dot plants in well - draining peat moss - based potting soil with a neutral pH.
For a bushy , compact works , purloin back the originate hint to encourage new subdivision . The industrial plant can from time to time flower into tiny , lilac-colored flowers . However , you may pinch off the bloom of youth , as they can cause the plant to degenerate after flowering .
Bring Some Tropical Vibes Indoors
Polka dot flora thrive in warm , humid , moist conditions , so keep your pot mixing moist but not soggy . Look for sign of dehydration or overwatering and rectify any issue like a shot to deliver your flora .
irrigate the plant often in spring through autumn and cut back in winter . When you are meticulous with your lacrimation schedule , the plant life honour you multiply with its distinguished , stunning foliage !
