Hypoestes phyllostachya, the ephelid plant

Hypoestes phyllostachya is an ornamental plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family, like Fittonia albivenis. It grows in the tropical forests of Madagascar, where it enjoys a humid climate. In temperate zones, this small shrub is grown as a houseplant.

How to recognize Hypoestes phyllostachya?

Hypoestes phyllostachya grows to between 15 and 45 centimetres. Its branches, which develop from the base, give it the appearance of a bushy shrub.

Its evergreen foliage is made up of oval, opposite, pointed blades, three to five centimetres long. The leaves are slightly rough to the touch. Green in color, they are speckled with paler green, pink, red or creamy white. Since the patterns are reminiscent of freckles, Hypoestes has earned the nickname of the "ephelid" or freckled plant.

In summer, in the wild, Hypoestes adorns itself with tube-shaped blue, lavender or magenta flowers.

There are some forty varieties of Hypoestes phyllostachya. Camina, Confetti blush, Vinrod or Red Splash... The name varies according to the hues of the leaves.

Our maintenance tips

The more light your Hypoestes phyllostachya receives, the more its colors will shine through. Give it a bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Its favorite spot? Behind a curtained window. On summer mornings and evenings, you can even put it out on your windowsill.

Watering

Hypoestes phyllostachya like to keep feet cool. Keep the substrate moist, especially in summer, watering as soon as the soil dries on the surface (by less than a centimetre).

Always use rainwater at room temperature. It's non-calcareous and provides the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Spray

To provide your Hypoestes phyllostachya with the necessary humidity, mist its foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. If filtered water is not available, you can collect rainwater and use it for misting.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Hypoestes phyllostachya to give it more space.

In a pierced pot larger than the previous one, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or pebbles. Cover with the substrate. You can mix a special potting soil for green plants or houseplants with sand or compost.

Remove your plant from its container. To help the roots take hold, gently loosen the root bun. Plant in the center of the pot and top up with potting soil.

To improve humidity, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Hypoestes phyllostachya, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Apply green plant fertilizer to accelerate growth.

Prune

To control the growth of creepers on your Hypoestes phyllostachya, you can prune the stems by about a third. Cut with a clean, sharp tool (pruning shears, scissors...) above a healthy leaf. Pruning also helps maintain a compact habit.

Remove dead leaves at the base.

Pinch

Pinch your Hypoestes phyllostachya during its growing season.

Pinching improves branching. When new leaves appear, take them between your fingers. Section the leaf with your fingernails.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

On a healthy stem, cut a section at least ten centimeters long with a clean, sharp tool. Remove the leaves at the base.

Place your cutting in a glass of water at room temperature. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.

Place your graft in a bright spot away from direct sunlight while the roots develop.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Acanthaceae - Acanthaceae
Type	Hypoestes - Hypoestes
Species	Hypoestes phyllostachya - Hypoestes phyllostachya
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Category	Interior
Tag	Fritillary
Origins	South Africa Indian Ocean
Hardiness (USDA)	12a
Leaf color
Flower colors