Fittonia and the polka dot plant (hypoestes) are two small houseplants grown not for their flowers but for their patterned leaves. Fittonia's leaves look as if they've been drawn over with a net of white or pink veins, while hypoestes leaves are sprinkled with pink, red or white "freckles". Both belong to the acanthus family, get along well together and look great in arrangements and terrariums. Here's how to care for them and how they differ.

How fittonia and polka dot plant are alike and how they differ

Fittonia: the nerve plant

Fittonia (Fittonia albivenis) comes from the rainforests of South America — Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. It's a low, spreading plant 10–15 cm tall with oval leaves. The most common forms have white (silver) or pinkish-red veins, and some varieties have almost entirely pink leaves.

Fittonia care

Light: bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Watering: keep the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. Fittonia dramatically "faints" when it dries out — the leaves collapse — but perks up within hours of watering. Don't let it happen often, as it weakens the plant.
Humidity: high. Mist the leaves, stand the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or grow it in a terrarium, where it thrives.
Temperature: 18–25 °C all year, away from draughts and cold windowsills.
Soil and pot: loose all-purpose compost in a wide, shallow pot with drainage.
Flowers: the small, insignificant flower spikes are best removed so the plant doesn't waste energy.

Over time fittonia gets leggy and bare at the base. Pinch out the tips and renew the plant from cuttings every 2–3 years — they root in water or moist compost in 2–3 weeks.

Polka dot plant: freckled leaves

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The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) comes from Madagascar. Its green leaves are covered in pink, red or white spots, and modern varieties (such as the Splash and Confetti series) are almost solid pink with green veins. It can reach 30–50 cm but is usually kept compact indoors.

Polka dot plant care

Light: bright indirect light is essential. In shade the spots fade and the plant gets leggy; harsh midday sun can scorch the leaves.
Watering: regular, so the soil never dries out completely; less in winter.
Humidity: medium to high; misting helps.
Pinching: pinch out the tips regularly for a bushy, compact plant.
Flowers: after flowering the plant often loses its looks and declines, so remove the buds.
Feeding: every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer with a foliage-plant fertiliser.

Polka dot plants are fairly short-lived indoors — a few years — after which they're renewed from cuttings or grown again from seed, which germinates quickly and gives a range of colours.

Growing fittonia and polka dot plant together

Both love warmth, indirect light and humidity, so they share a container happily. A classic combination is a pink polka dot plant in the centre with white- and red-veined fittonias around the edge. They're favourites for terrariums and mini gardens. For more on choosing companions, see our guide to combining houseplants in one pot.

Common problems

Crispy leaf edges — air too dry or soil drying out.
Stems rotting at the base — overwatering and cold.
Leggy growth, faded spots — not enough light.
Webbing and pale speckles on leaves — spider mites; raise humidity and treat with a miticide.

Both plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes them handy in homes with pets. For more windowsill ideas, see our guide to types of African violets and our potted plants.

FAQ

Why has my fittonia suddenly collapsed?

Most likely the soil dried out. Water it and the leaves will lift within hours. If the soil is wet, root rot may be the cause.

Can fittonia and polka dot plant be planted together?

Yes, they have similar needs for light, warmth and humidity.

How do I make a polka dot plant more colourful?

Give it more bright indirect light and avoid too much nitrogen.