Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes phyllostachya
📦 FREE SHIPPING OVER £40
Hypoestes phyllostachya, commonly known as the Polka Dot Plant, is a vibrant houseplant celebrated for its colorful, spotted foliage. Its leaves are typically green with contrasting spots of pink, red, or white, adding a playful touch to indoor spaces.
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Full Botanical Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
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Common Names: Polka Dot Plant, Freckle Face, Measles Plant
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Country and/or Region of Origin: Native to Madagascar
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Growing Conditions in Native Habitat: Thrives in warm, humid environments under the canopy of tropical forests
Care Guide:
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Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light may cause the vibrant patterns to fade.
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Ideal Room: Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices with ample natural light. A bathroom with a window can also be ideal due to higher humidity levels.
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Feeding: Feed every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
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Humidity: Requires high humidity levels. Regular misting, a humidity tray, or a room humidifier can help maintain the necessary moisture.
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Ideal Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid exposure to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) and protect from drafts.
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 25-50% of the soil is dry. If the plant dries out too much, the leaves may wilt, but they should perk up after thorough watering.
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Pet/Child Safe: Non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for households.
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Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, rich potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
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Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings. Place cuttings in water or moist soil until roots develop.
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Eventual Height and Spread: Typically grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and spreads up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
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Growth Rate: Moderate growth rate under optimal conditions.
- Pests and Treatment: Watch for common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
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Pruning: Regularly pinch back the top two leaves on each stem to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess.
- Air Purification: While primarily grown for its decorative foliage, it may contribute to improved indoor air quality.
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- Folklore: The playful appearance of the Polka Dot Plant has made it a popular choice for adding a splash of color and whimsy to indoor gardens.
Important Information
You're in good hands with Aroma QuartzWe're committed to delivering quality plants with top-notch service. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, ensuring it arrives in good health.
Our team carefully prepares each plant for its journey, but since plants are living things, they can be sensitive to changes. Minor cosmetic imperfections may occur, but we always strive to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping. After all, traveling across the country in a box can be a bit of an adjustment!
If you experience any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, reach out to our customer support team via our contact form with your order details and photos of the issue. Please note that once the guarantee period ends, we can’t offer refunds, as we can’t account for care and environmental factors. Also, repotting your plant within the first 7 days voids the guarantee—so let it settle in first!
We've been shipping plants across the country for many years now, and we like to think we've perfected the process!
To keep your plant secure, we carefully wrap the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then protect the plant with corrugated cardboard. If extra protection is required, we’ll cushion the leaves with additional tissue paper. The plant is then placed into a sturdy box, and any empty spaces are filled with eco-friendly void fill made from cornstarch—it dissolves in water, so it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your plant! 🌱♻️
Sometimes, we’ll add a note on your packing slip to water your plant upon arrival, so keep an eye out for that. This is because shipping a freshly watered plant can lead to sogginess, and being in darkness during transit can make it unhappy.
If your plant arrives looking a little worse for wear, send us a photo of the plant and packaging (if relevant) right away, and we’ll be happy to advise.
We’re proud to offer FREE local delivery by e-Cargo bike in partnership with Shropshire Cycle Hub – a fantastic local charity working to make sustainable transport accessible for everyone. This eco-conscious service is available for eligible orders within 3 miles of our Shrewsbury Market Hall shop.
🚲 How does it work?
If your delivery address is within 3 miles of our store, the “Free e-Cargo Bike Delivery” option will appear at checkout automatically. Just select it and we’ll take care of the rest!
📦 When will my order arrive?
Orders placed before 10am (Tuesday–Saturday) are eligible for same-day delivery, subject to availability. Deliveries are made between 10am and 12pm on those days.
🌍 Why e-Cargo bikes?
Not only is this delivery method carbon-neutral and friendly to the planet, but it also supports local volunteer efforts and brings a smile to our local community 💚
👥 Who delivers my order?
Your parcel will be delivered by trained volunteers from Shropshire Cycle Hub using a state-of-the-art electric cargo bike. Big thanks to them for making this possible!
🛍 What can I order?
Any of our products are eligible – including houseplants, candles, wax melts, and gifts. We’ll pack everything carefully (just like our nationwide orders) to make sure it arrives in perfect condition.
This service is made possible with support from:
💚 Shropshire Cycle Hub
🏛 Shrewsbury Market Hall
🌳 Shropshire Council
🏘 Shrewsbury Town Council
For any questions, feel free to drop us a message – we’re always happy to help.
Select Click & Collect at checkout to pick up your order from our Shrewsbury shop. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready—where possible, please collect it the same day, as we have limited space.
If you need to collect later, just let us know in the message box at checkout. Some items, like gift boxes, kits, and pre-orders, may take longer—drop us a note with your preferred collection date, and we’ll confirm if there are any delays. 😊
We don’t offer free returns for change of mind, but if you’re unhappy with your order, please get in touch. If your parcel arrives damaged, send us photos so we can look into it.
Need an exchange? We’re happy to help—just reach out. Additional delivery charges may apply.
For plants, we offer a 7-day return policy, while other items can be returned within 30 days (excluding sale and personalized items, which are non-returnable).
You can return or exchange items for free at our Shrewsbury shop. In-store purchases follow different policies, so check our "In-Store Returns & Exchanges" section for details.
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