Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Pink'

Madagascan Home of Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Pink'

Hypoestes phyllostachya comes from Madagascar, where it grows as a small leafy plant in warm, wet tropical habitats.

Routine Care for Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Pink'

• Light: Bright indirect light keeps the pink markings clear and the stems compact.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps the soft foliage stay fresh.
• Water: Let the compost surface dry lightly, then water thoroughly. Keep the deeper compost evenly moist.
• Compost: Choose a peat-free houseplant mix that keeps some moisture around the roots and drains freely.
• Temperature: Temperatures of 12°C or warmer suit the plant; protect it from cold draughts.
• Feeding: Use a balanced liquid feed every two to three weeks while the plant is producing fresh growth.
• Pruning: Pinch the longest tips to encourage side shoots. Remove flower spikes if you want to keep the plant compact and leafy.
• Slower growth: In cooler or dimmer conditions, growth may slow. Keep the compost moist with slight surface drying, and wait to feed until the plant is growing strongly again.
• Repotting: Move to a fresh pot when roots become crowded or the compost compacts.
• Propagation: Root healthy stem cuttings or divide an established plant.

Problems to Check on Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Pink'

• Pink pattern fades: Dim light can soften the pink markings. A brighter indirect position usually improves the pattern.
• Stems become long and open: Stems lengthen and open up in low light. Bring the plant closer to bright filtered light and pinch the leading tips to encourage side growth.
• Brown edges: Dry air or compost that dries too much can mark the leaf margins. More humidity and timely watering help as the compost surface begins to dry.
• Yellowing or leaf drop: Either very wet or very dry compost can be the cause. Check the compost: if it is very wet, let it dry slightly before watering again; if it is very dry, water thoroughly and keep the moisture more even.
• Cottony patches, sticky shoots, fine webbing or white powder: These signs can point to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites or powdery mildew. Remove badly affected growth, then use a treatment labelled for the problem and repeat it at the intervals given on the label.

Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Pink’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

What does Hypoestes phyllostachya mean, and who first published it?

Hypoestes combines Greek hypo, meaning under, with estia, meaning house, referring to the bracts that shelter the flowers. The species epithet phyllostachya combines Greek phyllon, meaning leaf, with stachys, meaning spike, giving the sense “with a leaf spike”.

Robert Brown established the genus Hypoestes in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 474; Daniel Carl Solander had proposed the name.

John Gilbert Baker first described Hypoestes phyllostachya in 1887 in Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany, volume 22, page 511.