The Polka Dot Plant is one of the most popular indoor plants because of its distinct look and signature speckled white/pink patterned leaves.
Classified as a shrub, the Hypoestes Phyllostachya (fancy name for Polka Dot Plant) is the main attraction for many terrariums. It’s durable and resilient, easy to care for, paired with a distinct appearance no other resilient plant can compete with.
In fact, it is regarded as one of the best plants for terrariums because it thrives in wet and humid conditions.
So here’s how to build a Polka Dot Terrarium:
Cheat Sheet
|
Plant Type |
Growth |
Lighting |
Humidity |
Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub |
10 – 20 inches |
Bright & Indirect Light |
70 – 90% |
60-78°F (15-26°C) |
Terrarium Size
With a mature size of 1-2 feet in length and width, the polka dot plant will need an adequately large terrarium.
This plant will grow to fill out the space it’s given. So you will be able to house it in smaller terrariums. Though if you want it to get really bushy it will need more space to fill out.
Anything from a fish bowl, to a jar, and even a bottle can be used as a terrarium to house a polka dot plant.
Substrate
When it comes to the substrate, polka dot plants thrive in organically rich soil with good drainage. All in all a balanced substrate that provides a mixture of these elements – you can easily create your own if you mixed potting soil with perlite and a layer of compost.
Nothing fancy.
Watering & Humidity
The polka dot plant is a very water-dependent plant. If grown inside a closed terrarium, it needs a lot of humidity, a minimum of 50%, ideally 70-90%. If grown in an open terrarium, it needs constant watering. It will wither away very quickly if it gets dry.
Nothing a few sprays of water won’t fix.
Temperature
Polka dot plants do excellent at room temperature. Ideally from around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. As long as the temperature is not constantly under 15 or over 30 degrees, your Polka dot plant will thrive.
Growth & Trimming
Polka dot plants grow very fast and high if given space. But in a closed terrarium a polka-dot plant will just get very bushy. Otherwise, it would have to be regularly trimmed to achieve a thick and busy look.
Propagation
One of the best things about polka dot plants is the ease of propagation. A polka dot plant can be propagated once they reach maturity, and have long enough stems.
You can propagate a polka dot plant by taking a cutting from the main plant, preferably around 4 to 5 inches from the tip, and planting it.
Tips For Polka Dot Terrariums
Polka dot plants are known to be hardy and resilient, but they can face the same problems that most indoor, and especially closed terrarium plants face:
- Overwatering and root rot
- Underwatering
- Pests, such as spider mites aphids, and mealybugs
- Overgrowth – whenever pruning you can replant the cuttings and propagate
- Inadequate light – sure the polka dot plant can live in lower light settings as well, but the plant will not develop the iconic pink patches and coloration
Similar Plants
The Hypoestes Phyllostachys species has a lot of varieties in many colors and patterns. The polka dot plant for example is named after the foliage pattern of dots.
Others include “Confetti” and “Splash” plants. Another very similar species is the small plant Fittonia.
Conclusion
The polka dot plant is an excellent choice for both a closed and open terrarium. It’s a beautiful, vibrant plant, that will spice up the setting in your home.
Its only requirements are proper watering, high moisture, and a bit of trimming now and again making it the perfect terrarium plant!