Splash Red Polka Dot Plant

Splash Red Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya '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.

Why you'll love it

• Warm red foliage. Blush red leaves with dark green freckles supply colour in the shade, where flowers are scarce.
• Compact growth. At 40cm by 40cm it stays small in a pot and can be kept tidy with a pinch of the tips.
• Right at home in the understorey. It spreads gently under palms and big-leaved plants in tropical-style gardens.
• Shade is its friend. It prefers indirect light and some shade, which also keeps the red leaf colour strong.
• Flexible use. It works as a container plant, an indoor plant in a well lit room, or seasonal bedding in frosty gardens.

Where it works best

Tropical-style garden beds. Plant 30cm apart under taller plants for a dense low carpet of red and green. It pairs with green foliage and gingers.

Pots on shaded patios. Grow one in a pot 20cm wide or larger and place it somewhere sheltered with indirect light.

Indoors. A bright room near a window, out of direct sun, keeps the colour strong all year.

Growing Splash Red Polka Dot Plant in Australia

Position and climate. 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.

Soil. A free draining soil or quality potting mix suits it, with light shade overhead to keep the red vivid.

Water and feed. 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.

Pruning. 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.

What to expect when it arrives

We 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.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Tropical plants for shade
• Indoor plants
• Fittonias with patterned leaves
• Groundcovers for shade

Common questions

Does the red colour fade?

Too much shade or too little light can mute it. A bright spot with indirect light keeps the leaves richly coloured.

Can I plant it in the ground?

Yes, in tropical and subtropical gardens. In warm temperate and colder gardens treat it as seasonal colour or keep it in a pot.

How often should I pinch it back?

Pinch out the growing tips every few weeks while it is young. It makes the plant bushier and stops it from stretching.