{"product_id":"polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-1","title":"Hypoestes phyllostachya - Red Polka Dot Plant","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis Polka Dot Plant is striking thanks to its vibrant colour. The bright red dots contrast with the mid-green of the leaves to help the plant stand out in a terrarium or plant display. This plant loves humidity so will thrive best planted into a terrarium or in a mixed planting display. Keep it happy with above-average humidity, moist soil and bright but indirect light and it will keep making you smile with its vibrant, colourful foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eHypoestes phyllostachya \u003c\/em\u003e(under-the-home plant with a leaf spike)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eEranthemum sanguinolentum, Hypoestes sanguinolenta\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOriginally published in 1887, this species has kept its name since then. Different varieties have been selectively bred for cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eRed Polka Dot Plant, Freckle Face, Splash Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to wet tropical parts of Madagascar, Africa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEnjoys bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so consider this when locating your plant in your home.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the soil lightly moist, allowing the top layer to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLoves higher humidity; use a humidity tray or grow it in a terrarium to keep it happy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eA mix that retains plenty of moisture whilst draining well is a good choice here. Choose one with components like coir, perlite and vermiculite to provide this balance; a mix designed for Calatheas and Marantas with work well. Use one designed for terrariums in a terrarium. Repot every couple of years in Spring as the plant grows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every four waters during the growing season (spring and summer), using a fertiliser designed for houseplants, and reduce to every six in autumn and winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives in temperatures between 18-24°C; make sure it doesn't dip below 12°C and avoid cold draughts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes - this plant is non-toxic to pets, though too much nibbling is not great for furry friends or for the plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eTo maintain a bushy shape, pinch back the stems regularly. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant compact.\u003cbr\u003eThe colourful foliage of Hypoestes can fade in low light, so if you notice the colours fading, providing brighter conditions will help it regain that colour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePerfect for terrariums and mixed plant displays.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8cm","offer_id":41965001310461,"sku":"5797053088171","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/IMG_2994-47.jpg?v=1669823532","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya-1","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}