• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
keep your plants alive
  • Plant Care 101
    • Printable Plant Care Guides
    • By Plant Type
    • Glossary of Plant Terminology
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Subscribe!
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Plant Care 101
    • Printable Plant Care Guides
    • By Plant Type
    • Glossary of Plant Terminology
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Subscribe!
  • Shop
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Plant Care 101
    • Printable Plant Care Guides
    • By Plant Type
    • Glossary of Plant Terminology
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Subscribe!
  • Shop
×
Home » Latest Blog Posts » Plants by type » Hypoestes

How to propagate the polka dot plant (hypoestes)

Published: Feb 13, 2022 · Modified: Oct 8, 2023 by Morgan · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Love your hypoestes plant? Here is a complete guide on how to propagate the polka dot plant in water - the easiest way!

I am really into my polka dot plant! Otherwise known as the hypoestes, this plant is pink and green with a beautiful polka dotted pattern on its leaves.

It grows quickly, super super easy plant care, and propagates from stem cuttings REALLY easily!

polka dot plant cutting in a test tube of water

I will say that my plant cost $1.48 at Lowes (like, what? So cheap!)

It immediately started growing quickly on our screened porch. It honestly got a little leggy (the branches were so long they were bending) so I decided to take some stem cuttings to cut it back a bit.

Well, the cuttings rooted super quickly and easily - no rooting hormone needed! They grew roots super fast in our propagation station and I'm really pleased with the whole process!

polka dot plant in a pot

How long do polka dot plants take to propagate?

Hypoestes propagation is SUPER quick! You will see roots in just 7-10 days and should have roots 2 inches long or so in less than a month!

Polka Dot Plant Care Guide

Join the (free!) KeepYourPlantsAlive+ community to access this exclusive printable plant care guide! Once you sign up, you can right click & save the JPG care guide. Or keep scrolling for more!

Polka Dot Plant plant care guide
how to propagate a polka dot plant in water

How to propagate the polka dot plant (hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka dot plant propagation is amazingly fast and easy!

What you need:

  • Healthy polka dot plant
  • Clean scissors
  • Jar of water

What you do:

STEP 1: Identify a node

Nodes are the bumps on a stem that leaves grow from. This is also where roots will grow!

node of a polka dot plant

STEP 2: Cut just below a node

Cut directly below a node.

cutting stem of a polka dot plant

STEP 3: Remove lower leaves

Remove any leaves on that bottom node, or any lower leaves that will fall in the water once you place your cutting in water.

cutting leaves off of a polka dot plant

STEP 4: Place in water

Place the cutting in a glass or jar of water. I use test tubes in my DIY propagation station.

polka dot plant cutting in a test tube of water

STEP 5: Place in indirect light

Place the cutting in indirect light.

polka dot plant cutting rooting in water

STEP 6: Plant in soil

Once the roots are 2 inches long, you are good to plant it in soil! Be sure to use a planter will holes for drainage (here's how to drill drainage holes in ceramic pots) to avoid root rot.

Video demonstration

Watch my video showing exactly how we propagated this polka dot plant!

Any questions about how to root the polka dot plant?

Thanks for reading!

About Me Plant picture

Morgan mcbride headshot
Morgan

Hey there, I'm Morgan, a houseplant enthusiast from sunny Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by my mom's lush orchids and African violets, I discovered the magic of bringing nature indoors. Thanks to the pandemic, I delved deeper into houseplants, discovering their power to uplift moods and transform spaces. I'm here to spill all my secrets, helping you pick the perfect houseplant - and make it happy. Let's keep your plants alive, together! 😊

More Hypoestes

  • polka dot plant leaves curling.
    Why are my polka dot plant leaves curling? 
  • Repotting polka dot plant.
    Repotting a Polka Dot Plant: Useful Tips
  • why is polka dot plant fuzzy?
    Why is my polka dot plant fuzzy?
  • polka dot plant leaves turning brown
    Why are my polka dot plant leaves turning brown?

Sharing is caring!

Primary Sidebar

About Me Plant picture

Welcome!

Thank you for joining me on my plant-filled adventure here in Charleston, South Carolina! I'm obsessed with my houseplants and keeping my garden green. I want to teach you my secrets and empower you to keep your plants alive, happy, and healthy.

More about me

Popular

  • how to propagate a ficus altissima
    How to Propagate Ficus Altissima in Water (So Easy, It’s Addictive!)
  • the best plants and gardening shopping deals
    Prime Day Plant & Garden Deals (updated list!)
  • how to revive plants using kitchen staples
    How to Revive a Dying Houseplant Using Only Kitchen Staples
  • the best plants and gardening shopping deals
    Black Friday Plant & Garden Deals (updated list!)

Seasonal

  • Monstera Standleyana Plant Care Guide
    Monstera Standleyana Plant Care Guide
  • purple houseplants
    The Best Purple Houseplants
  • facts about jade plant
    7 Things You Didn't Know About Your Jade Plant
  • 9 things to know about jade plant
    9 Things Every Jade Plant Owner Should Know

Footer

Browse by category

Plant Care
Propagation

Plants by type
Troubleshooting

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 keep your plants alive on the Cravings Pro Theme