Hypoestes phyllostachya aka Polka Dot Plant

The polka dot plant is frost-tender and only winter-hardy outdoors in USDA zones 10-11. In the UK, its RHS hardiness rating of H1B means it can go outside in summer (10-15°C) but needs protection under glass or indoors during winter. It also prefers moderate to high humidity.

Many cultivars exist with different foliage colors and patterns. Wikipedia lists 'Camina' (dark green with carmine red), 'Confetti Blush' (white-veined olive green), 'Pink Splash', 'Red Splash', and 'White Splash'. NC State Extension lists a different, overlapping set: 'Carmina' (bright red splotches), 'Confetti' (smaller plant; white, pink, red, rose, or burgundy), 'Pink Brocade', 'Pink Dot', 'Purpuriana' (purplish foliage), 'Splash', and 'Wit' (marbled white foliage).

Polka dot plant can be grown outdoors as an annual in cooler climates, or as a short-lived perennial in subtropical and tropical zones (USDA 10-11 / RHS H1B). In colder regions, bring container-grown plants indoors for winter and set them back out in spring; in warm, humid climates it will self-seed freely.

Pinch back growing tips regularly to keep the plant compact and bushy — without pinching, plants can become leggy, especially in low light. Most growers also remove the small flower spikes, since the blooms are inconspicuous and letting the plant flower redirects energy away from the colorful foliage.

Propagation is easiest via stem cuttings: place a cutting in water in a bright spot and roots will form within a couple of weeks, or root cuttings directly in moist soil. The plant can also be grown from seed, and in warm, humid climates it will self-seed freely in the garden.

Slow growth or a leggy, stretched appearance is usually a sign of insufficient light — too little light causes the leaves to fade and the stems to stretch toward brighter areas. Regular pinching back and moving the plant to a brighter (but filtered or indirect) spot helps restore compact growth.

The most common pests are aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies, particularly on indoor plants; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Root rot and powdery mildew can also occur, especially with overly wet or poorly drained soil. RHS describes the plant as generally pest-free aside from occasional powdery mildew, while NC State and Missouri Botanical Garden report it as more susceptible to the insect pests above. The plant is rarely damaged by deer.