The polka dot plant, also known as Freckle Face and scientifically known as hypoestes phyllostachya, is a tropical perennial or annual that is native to Madagascar. It is grown for its colorful leaves which are speckled or spotted with white, pink, red, or purple. The polka dot plant is a popular houseplant and is relatively easy to care for.
If you have one or more in your house, you probably have been wondering how long they live. Here is everything you need to know about the polka dot plant lifespan as well as some tips on how to keep your polka dot plant healthy and happy for a long time.
Polka Dot Plant Life Span
The polka dot plant, when grown indoors, typically completes its lifecycle in one year, a period within which it will bloom once. However, there’s a quick hack that you can use to extend the lifespan of your polka dot plant.
Once the flowers start to appear, pinching them off the plant can give you a few more months with your beloved freckle face. In some cases, failing to let your plant bloom can make it enjoy a lifespan of up to two years.
One important thing that you need to know about the polka dot plant is that its life as an indoor plant can be quite different from its life outdoors. When grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, it will display annual characteristics. However, when grown indoors, you can encourage it to take on more of a perennial form. Keep in mind that
That’s in consideration that this plant’s death is typically triggered by its natural life cycle flowering process. That’s why removing the flowers as they start to appear can help you enjoy your plant for a longer period of time.
If you’re in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, however, you can expect your polka dot plant to behave as a perennial, meaning it will most likely last for more than two years.
Polka Dot Plant Care for Maximum Lifespan
The key to a long and healthy life for your polka dot plant is proper care. Here are some tips on how to care for your plant:
– Light
The polka dot plant thrives in moderate, indirect light but can also tolerate low light. If growing your plant indoors, you will want to place it away from the windowsill since too much light can cause the leaves’ colors to fade.
On the other hand, not enough light will cause the plant to stretch and become leggy. If this happens, simply move your plant to a brighter spot.
– Water
Moderate watering will do for your polka dot plant. This plant does not like to sit in water, so be sure to use well-draining soil. You will want the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. The best time to water is every time the top half-inch has dried out.
– Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warmer temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit and higher humidity levels. If you live in a drier climate, you may need to mist your plant regularly or use a humidifier to attain a minimum humidity level of 50%.
– Fertilizer
Use an organic balanced houseplant fertilizer once every month during the growing season. If planting outdoors, you will want to add a layer of compost and mix it in well every spring.
Polka Dot Plant Life Span: To sum it all up
The lifespan of your polka dot plant will depend on several factors such as the growing conditions, whether you remove the flowers, and how well you take care of your plant.
With proper care, your polka dot plant should be able to last for one to two years indoors and up to several years outdoors in the right USDA zone. Use the tips provided in this article to ensure that your polka dot plant enjoys a long and healthy life.