Polka Dot Plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›Acanthaceae
📍 Madagascar
Grown emersed with roots in the tank water and its spotted foliage above the surface, absorbing nitrates as a biofilter. Needs bright indirect light to keep its leaf color, grows at a moderate rate, and roots in aquarium water; a smaller, bushier choice than the aroid vines.
Grown with its roots in the tank water and its leaves in the air — a living nitrate filter, not a submerged aquarium plant. Give it bright indirect light; no aquarium CO₂ or substrate needed.
Community Photos
1 photoPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
by @finnzebelle
Sign in to vote.
Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tankCommunity tanks featuring Polka Dot Plant.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- light
- Bright indirect
- biofilter
- true
- placement
- Emersed — roots in water, leaves in air
- growth rate
- moderate
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.