Hypoestes phyllostachya, the ephelid plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 12a (10°C ≤ T° < 12.8°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Genus
- Hypoestes
- Species
- Hypoestes phyllostachya
Hypoestes phyllostachya is an ornamental plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family, like Fittonia albivenis. It grows in the tropical forests of Madagascar, where it thrives in the humid climate. In temperate zones, this small shrub is grown as a houseplant.
How can you recognize a Hypoestes phyllostachya?
Hypoestes phyllostachya grows to a height of 15 to 45 centimeters. Its branches, which develop from the base, give it the appearance of a bushy shrub.
Its evergreen foliage consists of opposite, oval-shaped leaves that are pointed at the tip and measure three to five centimeters in length. The leaves feel slightly rough to the touch. They are green in color and speckled with paler green, pink, red, or creamy white. Since the patterns are reminders of freckles, Hypoestes has earned the nickname “freckle plant.”
In the wild during summer, Hypoestes plants produce blue, lavender, or magenta tubular flowers.
There are about forty varieties of Hypoestes phyllostachya. Camina, Confetti Blush, Vinrod, or Red Splash… the names vary depending on the shades of the leaves.
Our care 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.
Misting
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 year in the 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.
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.
Pinch to encourage branching. When new leaves appear, pinch them between your fingers. Snip the leaf with your fingernails.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings 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.
Place your graft in a bright spot away from direct sunlight while the roots develop.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Clay soilHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Category
- Indoor
- Tag
- Cold-sensitive
- Origins
- South AfricaIndian Ocean
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 12a (10°C ≤ T° < 12.8°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenWhiteRedRose
- Flower colors
- BlueFuchsiaViolet
Discover plants from the same family
Zebra plant
Aphelandra squarrosa
Aphelandra squarrosa 'Dania'
Aphelandra squarrosa ‘Dania’
Red-hot poker
Aphelandra aurantiaca
Find out more
- Fittonia albivenis
- These plants with incredible graphic foliage
- 10 tips to make your houseplants grow faster
- Seven tips to avoid killing your houseplants in winter
- Nine tips for maintaining your closed terrarium
- Which plants to choose for a closed terrarium?
- 12 green plants for a rosy outlook on life
- Living room, bedroom or bathroom: which houseplant is right for each room?
- Non-toxic houseplants for cats, dogs and other pets
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
