Dr. T. Ombrello - UCC Biology Department
Common
names:
Polka-Dot
Plant, Pink Polka-Dot Plant, Measles Plant, Flamingo Plant, Freckle Face, Pink
Dot
Scientific
name:
Explanation
of scientific name:
Hypoestes
- from the Greek “hypo”
meaning under, and “estia” meaning house.
Parts of the flowers are under or covered by leaf-like bracts.
phyllostachya - “leaf-spike”, in reference to the pointed, leaf-like bracts associated with the flowers of this species.
An old-fashioned houseplant with a long history of cultivation, the Polka-Dot Plant has only recently been given serious consideration by plant scientists. In the past this species had been a relatively rare houseplant, and for good reasons. The original species does have polka-dotted leaves, but their colors are not particularly inspiring. The flowers, in shades of white, pink, and purple, are attractive, but not very dramatic. Plant breeders, however, have hybridized the Polka-Dot Plant, and the resulting cultivars (cultivated varieties) are quite attractive. The contrasting colors of pink and green on the leaves of cultivars such as ‘Pink Splash’ are unusual and have found favor with many houseplant enthusiasts. Red and green-leaved and white and green-leaved cultivars are popular, too. Some seed companies are even promoting these new Polka-Dot Plants as annuals for flower beds outdoors, to be used much in the same way as are marigolds and geraniums.
Since historically very little attention has been paid to the Polka-Dot Plant, it should come as no surprise that there has been a great deal of confusion as to its taxonomic position in the plant world. Even today it is on occasion erroneously referred to as Hypoestes sanguinolenta, the name of another species. The species epithet sanguinolenta, however, is quite descriptive. The term “sanquin”meaning blood colored, and “lenta,” short for lentiginosa meaning freckled, are obvious references to the attractive leaves of this other species. To further emphasize the confusion over the scientific name of the Polka-Dot Plant, it should be noted that up until several decades ago, this species was relegated to another genus of plants, and went by the name of Eranthemum sanguinolentum. Eranthemum means attractive or beautiful flower.
Native to Madagascar, the Polka-Dot Plant is a perennial shrub-like species that grows to a maximum height of 3 feet. The bases of its branches become woody with age. There are over 100 closely related species in the genus Hypoestes. All are perennial herbs or evergreen shrubs, native to Africa and Asia. The Hypoestes genus belongs to the Acanthaceae family of plants, which includes Crossandra spp., Fittonia spp, the Shrimp-Plant, and the Zebra Plant.
An easy plant to grow from either seeds or cuttings, the Polka-Dot Plants does well in a rich soil kept evenly moist. Color development is best in moderate to bright light. One problem associated with its culture is that it tends to get “leggy” (tall and lanky) with age. This can be minimized by cutting back long shoots to promote bushiness and/or by growing the more freely branching new cultivars.
The Polka-Dot Plant has become more prevalent in the horticultural trade as increasing numbers of people learn of the results of the labor plant breeders have put into this species.
Polka Dot Plant seedlings growing in one of Union County College's greenhouses.