If you’re looking for information on how to prune polka dot plants, let me first inform you that Hypoestes phyllostachya, according to the NS Gardener Extension, is both a perennial flowering plant and an annual since it becomes leggy and dies. To encourage more compact and bushy growth, we must clip the polka dot plants because of this. After discovering that it belonged to the Acanthaceae family, this plant was mistakenly put in the Lamiaceae family. This plant is known by a variety of names depending on where it is growing, including measles plant, baby’s tears, freckle face, and pink splash (one of the cultivated). Let’s read about how to successfully prune polka dot plants without damaging them.
How are polka-dot plants pruned? When the polka dot plant has grown lanky, pruning it can be challenging. Basically, cut back the longest stem at the top first, then look for any other stems that are drooping, and shorten them by an inch. We want to ensure that every stem is straight, expanding upward, and not mostly decending. As there may be new, healthier growth of two more branches there, you can cut from a node where it has numerous leaves. Cuttings from polka dot plants are made frequently throughout the year to maintain their health, and the stems from these cuts can be utilized to grow new polka dot plants.
Growing Hypoestes phyllostachya
After Polka dot plant Care
If you don’t do this, the polka dot plant may get lanky in quest of light because they enjoy partial shade with 4-6 hours of bright light. Therefore, the area should have indirect light.
Well-drained soil with organic matter added can strengthen the soil overall and help plants develop more quickly and healthily.
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