Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Polka dot plant: when and how to prune
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Polka dot plant is best pruned in March–August.
| Pruning months | March–August |
|---|
Polka dot plant: when to prune it?
Throughout the growing season, from March to August inclusive. Do a harder prune in March.
What else to prune in those months? March · April · May · June · July · August
Polka dot plant: how to prune it?
- Pinch or cut off the tip of each shoot regularly, just above a pair of leaves: this gives more branching.
- Remove flower spikes as soon as you see them.
- In March, cut old, bare or long plants back by about half; they shoot again within a few weeks.
- Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Polka dot plant · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.