Hypoestes - Freckle Face, Polka-Dot Plant

(Hypoest'es)

DESCRIPTION: This group of frost-tender, shrubs and perennials are native to South Africa, Madagascar and southeast Asia. The few plants that are cultivated are grown mainly for their foliage. H. phyllostachya (Freckleface and Polka-Dot Plant) grows up to 30 inches high and wide. It is a bushy plant with dark green, oval, softly downy leaves covered with tiny pink speckles. Small, tubular, lavender flowers are produced intermittently.

POTTING: The Polka-Dot Plants need a minimum temperature of 50 degrees. In cool climates, grow as a house or greenhouse plant in containers filled with porous soil consisting of peat moss, leaf mold, or other decayed organic matter. Place it in a location that receives bright light. Water them well while they are growing actively. Plants that have filled their containers up with healthy roots should be given weekly or semi-weekly applications of dilute liquid fertilizer.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the spring or stem cuttings may be inserted in sand, or sand and peat moss or vermiculite, in the spring or summer.

VARIETIES: H. phyllostachya; H. aristata; H. sanguinolenta.

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