When multitude think of a garden erupt with color , they usually envisage thatcolor coming from blossom . That ’s not always the case , though ! There are plenty of selection toadd colorful foliageto your place and garden . Polka window pane plants are one such works , with spotted parting that amount in many shade of green , white , and pinkish . Not only are they lovely to search at , but they ’re also easy to arise . If you require to grow your own polka dot plant life , here ’s what you postulate to eff .
What is a polka dot plant?
A polka dot plant life , orHypoestes phyllostachya , is a small herbaceous perennial with patched leafage . Its leave can come in practically any combination of pink , green , cherry-red , and livid . The spots can be petite dots , but are often larger , sometimes unify into patches of color .
Polka dit plants also bloom , but their flowers are generally less impressive . Most gardeners grow these plants for their leaf and prefer to lip the bloom spike off to prevent the works from going to cum .
Native of Madagascar , polka back breaker plants can spread and become a weed in red-hot , humid climates . They ’re look at trespassing in some parts of Australia , so it ’s a good idea to keep them indoors . If you do keep yours indoors , you’re able to rest easy knowing polka Transportation plant are nonpoisonous to pets and people .
Planting your polka dot plant
When polka dose plant first sprout , their foliage wo n’t have any Transportation or spots . Do n’t panic ! This is normal , and you ’ll begin see spots appear on the leaves by tardy spring . Here ’s how to institute them properly :
Step 1 : expend well - draining soilwith added compostand perlite .
pace 2 : Keep your polka Elvis flora in bright , indirect light .
Too much light can burn their leaves , but too much shade leads to long-legged plant . They bet adorable in slightly shady garden border , nestled under a tree , or on the corner of a desk in a well - lit office .
stair 3 : Start polka back breaker works seeds indoors 8 to 10 week before the last Robert Frost engagement , or at any fourth dimension if you design to keep them as houseplants .
The seeds will germinate speedily if they stay hold open affectionate , typically in under a week .
Step 4 : graft polka battery-acid plant life into your garden after the last frost of the year .
If you are n’t transplanting them into your garden , then only keep your plants above 60 degrees Fahrenheit . Polka Transportation works are sore to the cold .
Caring for your polka dot plants
pace 1 : Let the land dry out slimly , but not entirely , between tearing .
A sure sign that your polka dot flora take to be watered is drooping leaves . The leaves should pick up back up after water the plants .
Step 2 : quash overwatering your polka dot plant .
The dirt should be dampish , but not soggy . An overwatered polka dot plant is vulnerable to mildew and pests .
Step 3 : Fertilize your polka acid plantsevery duo of month to encourage vigorous growth .
If your plants are alfresco in the ground , then you could apply any plant fertilizer . Indoor industrial plant have an comfortable time with liquid fertiliser , which is stretch in water . Carefully interpret the operating instructions that fare with the fertilizer you choose to deflect overuse .
Step 4 : Prune polka dot plants that are becoming too tall .
reduce off the top dowery of the polka dot plants using scissors or shears . This advance the plants to maturate horizontally , and the cut part can be propagated to grow other plant .
Common problems to watch out for
The most common problems with polka dot plants are powdery mildew , root bunkum , pests , and mistaken indistinguishability . Here ’s how to ward off them :
Step 1 : Use a flowerpot with right drainage mess .
Step 2 : allow the soil dry slightly between waterings .
Step 3 : Apply neem oilto the plant lead .
Polka dot plants do n’t often have serious payoff with pests , but they can be affected by small insect , especially if they ’re already weakened by a fungous infection . Mites , whitefly , and aphids can all make problems for your works .
Step 4 : Make trusted you ’re caring for the correct plant .
Although there is n’t a on-key count - like plant for polka Elvis plants , there is a plant with a very similar name : the polka dot begonia . It has different care requirements and increment habit , so record carefully to verify you ’re getting advice on caring for the right works !
Polka dot plant propagation
If you do it your polka dot industrial plant and want to develop more , or need to apportion that making love with your friends and mob , then you ’ll be happy to screw that polka dot plants are jolly well-fixed to propagate . you could propagate them by rent a stem cut and rooting it in soil or pee . you may utilise the stem cuttings left over from pruning your polka dot plant for this . plainly place the cut conclusion of the bow in brisk , clean soil or water supply .
you may total a dab of root hormone to help hasten up the process , or leave it off if you do n’t listen the postponement . Care for the cuttings like you would a unseasoned polka dot plant , and shortly roots will begin to grow . Cuttings rooted in pee can be transplanted into soil when the roots are a few inches long and chummy than the tip of a pencil .
Polka back breaker plant are delicious little plants that will clear up up any shady garden or elbow room . Their fun colors , small size of it , and easy care requirements make them great gift , too . They make idealistic companion plants for impatiens and bromeliads , but they ’re just as beautiful in a container of their own .
