{"title":"Polka Dot Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe polka dot plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya, is a small, soft stemmed foliage plant from Madagascar with green leaves freckled and splashed in pink, red or white. It is quick, cheerful and easy, which makes it a popular choice for a desk, a terrarium, a mixed pot or a patch of shaded summer bedding. It is short lived and frost tender, and needs regular pinching to stay bushy. Choose by leaf colour, and plan to refresh plants every year or two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to choose a polka dot plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe choice is simply colour. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/polka-dot-plant-red-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-select-red\"\u003ePolka Dot Plant Red\u003c\/a\u003e has red markings and gives the richest effect against dark green companions. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/splash-pink-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-pink\"\u003eSplash Pink Polka Dot Plant\u003c\/a\u003e is the familiar pink form. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/splash-white-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-white\"\u003eSplash White Polka Dot Plant\u003c\/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/confetti-white-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-confetti-white\"\u003eConfetti White Polka Dot Plant\u003c\/a\u003e are white marked forms that brighten a shaded shelf and sit quietly beside any other colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colours look good mixed, so three plants of different colours in one bowl is an easy display. For bedding, a block of a single colour reads more clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere polka dot plants grow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIndoors, give them bright indirect light. In low light the stems stretch and the spots fade towards green; in hot direct sun the leaves bleach and curl. A spot near an east facing window is ideal. They enjoy humidity, which is why they do so well in terrariums and bathrooms with good light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOutdoors, they are used as shaded summer bedding and pot fillers in most of Australia, planted after the last frost and enjoyed until cold weather returns. They are frost tender. In frost free tropical and subtropical gardens they can carry on through winter, but they become leggy with age. They sit well among other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eindoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e, as fillers in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e, and outdoors with our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-partial-shade\"\u003eplants for partial shade\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePolka dot plant has escaped gardens in warm, moist parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Keep it in pots and garden beds, remove the flower spikes before they seed, and never dump trimmings or old plants in bushland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and spacing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse a quality potting mix in a container with drainage holes. A plant grows about 30 centimetres high and wide if pinched, taller if left alone. In a mixed bowl or a bedding scheme, space plants 15 to 20 centimetres apart so they knit together quickly. Outdoors, plant in spring once the nights are mild, into soil improved with compost, and water in well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare basics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the mix evenly moist. Polka dot plants wilt dramatically when dry and usually recover within an hour of watering, but repeated wilting costs them their lower leaves. Do not leave the pot standing in water. Feed every few weeks from spring to autumn with a liquid fertiliser at half strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePinching is the key to a good plant. Nip out the top pair of leaves on each stem every couple of weeks and the plant branches from below, staying low and dense. Left alone it runs up into a thin, leaning stem. Remove the small lilac flower spikes as they appear, since plants often decline after flowering. When a plant does get leggy, cut it back by half in spring, or strike a few tip cuttings in water or moist mix and start again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is my polka dot plant leggy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot enough light, not enough pinching, or both. Move it somewhere brighter, cut the stems back by half and pinch the new tips regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does a polka dot plant live?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually a year or two before it becomes straggly. It is easy to renew from tip cuttings, so most growers replace plants regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan polka dot plants grow outside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in shade or filtered light during the frost free months, and all year in warm frost free areas. Keep them contained in pots and beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are the spots fading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light is too low. Brighter indirect light brings the colour back in new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"polka-dot-plant-red-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-select-red","title":"Polka Dot Plant Red - Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Splash Select Red'","description":"\u003cp\u003ePolka Dot Plant Red (\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya\u003c\/em\u003e 'Splash Select Red') is grown entirely for its leaves: deep green splashed and freckled with hot pink to red, in a plant that stays around 30cm tall and wide. It is one of the few genuinely colourful foliage plants that is also safe around cats and dogs. Indoors it works as a bright tabletop plant; in a warm garden it edges a shaded path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour without flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e The red and green speckling is there every day of the year, with no flowering season to wait for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe for pets.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not toxic to cats or dogs, which puts it ahead of most of the colourful indoor plants it sits beside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and easy to place.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 30cm by 30cm it fits a desk, a shelf or the front row of a border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow effort.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch the tips occasionally, keep the mix damp, and it looks after itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright indirect light is what keeps the red vivid. In a dim corner the speckling fades towards plain green and the stems stretch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots, balconies and courtyards.\u003c\/strong\u003e A 200mm pot suits a single plant, or group three in a wider bowl on a sheltered balcony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBorders and edging.\u003c\/strong\u003e In a tropical or subtropical garden, plant 25cm apart for a continuous carpet of colour along a shaded path edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Polka Dot Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial shade outdoors, bright indirect light indoors. It is frost tender, so outdoor planting suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only. In cool temperate, Mediterranean or frost prone areas, treat it as an indoor plant or a warm season pot you bring under cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e A quality potting mix with added coir or compost holds the steady moisture it likes. In the ground, work organic matter through the bed and mulch lightly, keeping the mulch off the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the mix evenly damp but never sodden. It wilts dramatically when dry and recovers within hours of a drink, so use that as your cue. Feed a liquid fertiliser monthly through the warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch the growing tips every few weeks. This is the single thing that keeps it dense; left alone it stretches, flowers and goes leggy. Cut it back by a third at any time to start again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is grown as tube stock, so it arrives as a small, young, well rooted plant rather than a finished specimen. Given a pot and warmth it fills out quickly, usually presentable within eight to twelve weeks, and tubes are the sensible way to buy in numbers for edging at 25cm spacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect the leaves to look limp after time in a box; water it, give it light, and it lifts within a day. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowse more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pet-friendly-indoor-plants\"\u003epet friendly indoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eindoor plant range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/indoor-plant-tips-for-beginners\"\u003eindoor plant tips for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSee other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/variegated\"\u003eplants with variegated foliage\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe if my cat chews on it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It is not toxic to cats or dogs, though as with any plant a large mouthful can still upset a small stomach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy has it gone leggy and pale?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToo little light and no pinching. Move it somewhere brighter, out of direct sun, and pinch the tips regularly to force branching lower down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I plant it outside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, yes, in a shaded, sheltered spot. It will not survive frost, so colder regions should keep it in a pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt produces small insignificant flower spikes, worth pinching out. Flowering pushes the plant to stretch and lose density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":51643340783935,"sku":"HYP-PHY-SPLSEL-2-tube","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Polka-Dot-Plant-Red-Hypoestes-phyllostachya-Splash-Select-Red.png?v=1794662634"},{"product_id":"polka-dot-plant-pink-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-select-pink","title":"Polka Dot Plant Pink - Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Splash Select Pink'","description":"\u003cp\u003ePolka Dot Plant Pink (\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya\u003c\/em\u003e 'Splash Select Pink') is grown for one thing: leaves freckled and splashed in bright pink over deep green, on a tidy plant that tops out around 30cm tall and 30cm wide. It is small enough for a shelf, inexpensive enough to plant in drifts along a shaded border, and listed as non toxic to cats and dogs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour without flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e The pink sits in the foliage, so it is there every day of the year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe around pets.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it one of the few brightly marked plants you can put at floor level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall and controllable.\u003c\/strong\u003e About 30cm each way, and pinching keeps it lower and denser than that.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors or out.\u003c\/strong\u003e A pot plant anywhere in the country, and a shade border filler in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors.\u003c\/strong\u003e A bright room with filtered light keeps the pink strong. Bathrooms and kitchens suit it because it likes humidity. A windowless corner does not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBorders and edging.\u003c\/strong\u003e In frost free gardens, plant 25cm to 30cm apart along a shaded path or under established shrubs. At that spacing the plants knit into a continuous pink ribbon within a season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots, balconies and courtyards.\u003c\/strong\u003e It combines well in mixed containers, where the pink lifts plain green foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Polka Dot Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright indirect light indoors, part shade outdoors. Direct sun bleaches the pink and scorches the edges, while heavy shade turns the plant leggy and mostly green. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only, being frost tender enough to collapse in a cold snap. Cooler southern gardens should grow it inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e A quality potting mix with added compost, or a bed improved with organic matter. It wants moisture retention alongside drainage, not a bog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the mix evenly moist. This is not a plant that forgives drying out: it wilts dramatically, recovers once watered, and loses leaves if that happens repeatedly. Half strength liquid fertiliser every three to four weeks in the growing season keeps the markings bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch the tips regularly. Left alone it stretches, flowers and declines, so remove the small lilac spikes and cut the plant back by a third once it opens up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one is sold as tube stock: young plants, usually 10cm to 15cm tall with a handful of well marked leaves. They establish quickly, filling a 140mm pot within a couple of months of warm weather. Tube size is the sensible way to plant a border, because you need numbers rather than instant size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft foliage does not travel as stoically as a succulent, so a little wilting on arrival is normal. Water on the day it lands, keep it out of direct sun for a week, and it picks up. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/indoor-plant-tips-for-beginners\"\u003eIndoor plant tips for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eindoor plants range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-safe-for-pets\"\u003eplants safe for pets\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/border-brilliance-low-growing-plant-ideas\"\u003eLow growing border ideas\u003c\/a\u003e for edging a shaded path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is my polka dot plant losing its pink?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost always light. Too little and the markings fade towards green while the stems stretch. Too much direct sun and the pink bleaches out. Bright indirect light is the middle ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow far apart should I plant it in a border?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 25cm to 30cm apart. Each plant spreads to roughly 30cm, so that spacing closes into unbroken cover within a season without crowding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for cats and dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Hypoestes is listed as non toxic to cats and dogs, though a pet that eats a mouthful may still get a mild upset stomach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I let it flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The small lilac spikes draw energy from the foliage and the plant often goes leggy afterwards. Pinch them out as soon as you see them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":51643340980543,"sku":"HYP-PHY-SPLSEL-tube","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/Polka-Dot-Plant-Pink-Hypoestes-phyllostachya-Splash-Select-Pink.png?v=1794662637"},{"product_id":"splash-pink-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-pink","title":"Splash Pink Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Splash Pink'","description":"\u003cp\u003eSplash Pink Polka Dot Plant (\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya\u003c\/em\u003e 'Splash Pink') is a bushy, sprawling little tropical evergreen about 40cm tall and wide. Its oval leaves are cool pink, freckled with dark green along the ribs. It is a favourite for terrariums, tabletop displays and shaded containers, and a bright underplanting in warm gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreckled cool-pink foliage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pastel pink leaves with dark green spots give colour all year without needing flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall enough to display.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 40cm by 40cm it suits terrariums, tabletops and pots, and can be kept tight indoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrightens shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e It thrives in a shady spot with indirect light, where few bright-leaved plants will perform.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible in warm gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e It sprawls and spreads under tropical plantings, filling gaps with colour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal colour where frost bites.\u003c\/strong\u003e In frosty gardens it makes excellent seasonal bedding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerrariums and tabletops.\u003c\/strong\u003e Its compact size and bright leaves suit glass containers and small indoor displays. Pinch out the tips to keep it small and bushy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShaded patios and indoor rooms.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow it in a pot in a bright room or on a shaded patio, out of direct sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderplanting tropical gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 30cm apart for a dense carpet of pink beneath palms, gingers and other tropical plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Splash Pink Polka Dot Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Indirect light and humid air keep it happiest. Outdoors it behaves as a perennial in tropical and subtropical gardens, as seasonal colour in warm temperate ones, and as a potted plant to bring inside where frost is a risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use free draining garden soil or a quality potting mix. Light shade keeps the pink strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep it moist for its first 12 weeks, then water only once the top of the soil dries. Add slow release fertiliser each year and a liquid feed each season for richer colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick off tired leaves to keep it neat. A leggy plant needs brighter light, and nipping out the tips makes it bush up. Wash your hands afterwards, since the sap can irritate some skins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Splash Pink Polka Dot Plant as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted out. Expect it to fill out in the first season in a warm, shaded spot. Pot it on or plant it out within a few days of arrival, and keep it away from cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fittonias\"\u003eFittonias, a matching colourful leaf plant\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eMore indoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tropical-plants\"\u003eTropical plants for warm gardens\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/indoor-plant-tips-for-beginners\"\u003eIndoor plant tips for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan it grow in a terrarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It likes humid air and indirect light, and you can pinch out the tips to keep it small. Open the lid for ventilation so it does not stay waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is mine going leggy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually too little light. Move it to a brighter spot out of direct sun, and pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe around cats and dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can irritate some people's skin, so wash your hands after handling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67787244699967,"sku":"HYP-PHY-SPLASH-tube","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/splash-pink-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-pink.jpg?v=1792153969"},{"product_id":"splash-red-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-red","title":"Splash Red Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Splash Red'","description":"\u003cp\u003eSplash Red Polka Dot Plant (\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya\u003c\/em\u003e 'Splash Red') is a small, bushy tropical evergreen that reaches about 40cm tall and wide. Its oval leaves are a warm blush red splashed with darkest green. It earns its place in shaded pots, bright indoor rooms and the understorey of tropical-style gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarm red foliage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blush red leaves with dark green freckles supply colour in the shade, where flowers are scarce.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact growth.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 40cm by 40cm it stays small in a pot and can be kept tidy with a pinch of the tips.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRight at home in the understorey.\u003c\/strong\u003e It spreads gently under palms and big-leaved plants in tropical-style gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShade is its friend.\u003c\/strong\u003e It prefers indirect light and some shade, which also keeps the red leaf colour strong.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible use.\u003c\/strong\u003e It works as a container plant, an indoor plant in a well lit room, or seasonal bedding in frosty gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTropical-style garden beds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 30cm apart under taller plants for a dense low carpet of red and green. It pairs with green foliage and gingers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots on shaded patios.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow one in a pot 20cm wide or larger and place it somewhere sheltered with indirect light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors.\u003c\/strong\u003e A bright room near a window, out of direct sun, keeps the colour strong all year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Splash Red Polka Dot Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e It does best in shade with filtered light and humid air. It lives outdoors year round in tropical and subtropical gardens, while in frost-prone gardens it becomes seasonal bedding or a houseplant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e A free draining soil or quality potting mix suits it, with light shade overhead to keep the red vivid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly for its first 12 weeks, then only when the soil feels dry. Feed with slow release fertiliser once a year and add liquid feed through the growing season for strong colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Snip off old leaves to tidy it. If it stretches, give it more light or nip out the tips. Wash your hands afterwards, since the sap can irritate some skins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Splash Red Polka Dot Plant as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted out. Plants arrive small, so expect a few weeks of settling in before bushy growth starts. Unpack on arrival and keep out of strong sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tropical-plants\"\u003eTropical plants for shade\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eIndoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fittonias\"\u003eFittonias with patterned leaves\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/the-best-ground-cover-plants-for-shade\"\u003eGroundcovers for shade\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the red colour fade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToo much shade or too little light can mute it. A bright spot with indirect light keeps the leaves richly coloured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I plant it in the ground?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in tropical and subtropical gardens. In warm temperate and colder gardens treat it as seasonal colour or keep it in a pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often should I pinch it back?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinch out the growing tips every few weeks while it is young. It makes the plant bushier and stops it from stretching.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67787244765503,"sku":"HYP-PHY-SPLASH-tube","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/splash-red-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-red.jpg?v=1792153977"},{"product_id":"splash-white-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-white","title":"Splash White Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Splash White'","description":"\u003cp\u003eSplash White Polka Dot Plant (\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya\u003c\/em\u003e 'Splash White') is a bushy, sprawling tropical evergreen about 40cm tall and wide, with oval leaves that are clean white splashed in green. It lifts dark corners in a way few plants can. Grow it in a shaded pot, a bright room or beneath taller tropical plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean white foliage.\u003c\/strong\u003e White leaves with darkest green freckling brighten a dim corner and look crisp beside deep green plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeat and compact.\u003c\/strong\u003e About 40cm by 40cm, so it fits a pot, a tabletop or a gap in a border.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade for shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e Indirect light and a shady spot suit it, and shade helps the leaves hold their markings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpreads to fill space.\u003c\/strong\u003e Outdoors in a tropical garden it sprawls and spreads, and indoors you can keep it small.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy seasonal colour.\u003c\/strong\u003e In frost-prone gardens it is a good bedding plant for the warm months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShady garden corners.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 30cm apart under trees or along a shaded path for a bright carpet. It pairs well with deep green plants and dark mulch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainers and patios.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in a pot at least 20cm wide in indirect light, either alone or beside green-leaved plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerrariums and indoor displays.\u003c\/strong\u003e Its small size and humid air preference make it a good fit for terrariums and a well lit room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Splash White Polka Dot Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Filtered light, a shady spot and humid air are ideal. Outdoors it is a year-round plant in tropical and subtropical gardens, and in cooler or frosty places it works as seasonal bedding or an indoor plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Free draining soil or quality potting mix, kept lightly moist. Shade helps the white leaf hold its markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then only if the soil feels dry. Feed once a year with slow release fertiliser, plus liquid feed through the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Take off old leaves for a quick tidy. Leggy plants need more light, or the tips nipped out. Wash your hands afterwards, because the sap can irritate some skins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Splash White Polka Dot Plant as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted out. It arrives small and fills out through the warm months. Keep it out of direct sun and away from cold draughts while it settles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eIndoor plants for bright rooms\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tropical-plants\"\u003eTropical plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fittonias\"\u003eFittonias for patterned leaves\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-indoor-plants-alive\"\u003eHow to keep indoor plants alive\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it come back every year?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tropical and subtropical gardens it lives on as a perennial. In colder gardens frost will kill it, so grow it as summer bedding or bring a potted plant indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it indoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Choose a well lit room out of direct sun and keep the potting mix lightly moist. Give it more light if it becomes leggy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the sap harmful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sap can irritate some skins, so wash your hands after pruning. It is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67787244896575,"sku":"HYP-PHY-SPLASH-tube","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/splash-white-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-splash-white.jpg?v=1792153987"},{"product_id":"confetti-white-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-confetti-white","title":"Confetti White Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Confetti White'","description":"\u003cp\u003eConfetti White Polka Dot Plant (\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya\u003c\/em\u003e 'Confetti White') is a neat, low growing foliage plant about 10cm tall and 20cm wide, with small green leaves freckled with white spots. It stays small and tidy, which makes it a favourite for pots, terrariums and underplanting in warm gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpotted foliage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every small leaf is dotted with white freckles, which gives the plant its common name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStays compact.\u003c\/strong\u003e This Confetti form is very tight and low, so it will not outgrow a bowl, a pot or a terrarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet friendly.\u003c\/strong\u003e The polka dot plant is regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy to place.\u003c\/strong\u003e A shady spot with indirect light suits it, indoors or out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour in a container.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pop it into a coloured pot to echo or contrast with the white spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots and patios.\u003c\/strong\u003e A potted group on a shaded patio or in a well lit room gives a splash of pattern. Allow about 20cm for each plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoors and terrariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is an ideal potted plant for a well lit room and an excellent choice for a terrarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderplanting and bedding.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 20cm apart beneath taller shade lovers in tropical gardens, where temperatures stay above 10 degrees Celsius. In cooler climates use it as annual bedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Confetti White Polka Dot Plant in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose a shady position with bright, indirect light. Outdoors it suits tropical gardens where temperatures stay above 10 degrees Celsius, and in cooler climates it works as annual bedding or a houseplant. It does not tolerate frost or cold, and in low light it can stretch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e It wants an open mix: well drained garden soil or a good potting mix. In a terrarium use a light, open mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly for the first three months, then only when the soil feels dry. Apply a slow release fertiliser once a year and a liquid feed every three months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch out the tips and any flower spikes now and then to keep the plant dense and the foliage in the spotlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Confetti White Polka Dot Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A tube is all you need for a pot, a bowl or a terrarium, and a handful will fill an underplanting. Expect a small plant on arrival that settles in fast in warm, shady conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe tube comes from our grower and is not always in stock. When the grower has none, it shows as on backorder, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eIndoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pet-friendly-indoor-plants\"\u003ePet friendly indoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/low-light-indoor-plants\"\u003eLow light indoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/indoor-plant-tips-for-beginners\"\u003eIndoor plant tips for beginners\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big does it get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly about 10cm tall and 20cm wide, and it stays small and tidy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it outdoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tropical gardens, yes, as an underplanting in shade where temperatures stay above 10 degrees Celsius. In cooler climates use it as annual bedding or grow it indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for cats and dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe polka dot plant is regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, though any plant can upset a pet that chews it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67790342750527,"sku":"HYP-PHY-CONFET-tube","price":11.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/confetti-white-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-confetti-white.jpg?v=1792208490"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/collections\/Polka-Dot-Plant-Red-Hypoestes-phyllostachya-Splash-Select-Red.jpg?v=1794696298","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/collections\/polka-dot-plants.oembed","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}