Hypoestes phyllostachya, commonly called Polka Dot Plant, is a herbaceous plant native to Madagascar. Cultivation Hypoestes phyllostachya is cultivated as an ornamental plant commonly used as a houseplant but can also be grown outside as an annual plant. The most common type has green leaves with pink spots, although it can range from white to any shade of pink to red. It may produce small pink/purple flowers that sightly resemble scented geraniums. Many different cultivars have been created with different foliage colors. Temperature Will not grow well below 60F/16C Light Partial sun