SPECIMEN NO. #65
🟢 PET SAFE
Family: Acanthaceae
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Common Name: Polka Dot Plant
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a houseplant in the Acanthaceae family, native to Armenia | Manizales | Pasto. It is a bright indirect-light species that thrives between 1500 and 4500 lux. Optimal indoor care calls for watering roughly every 5 days, temperatures of 18–28°C, and about 60% humidity. According to ASPCA data, it is non-toxic and considered pet-safe for cats and dogs. It is also known as Baby's Tears.
ASPCA Pet Toxicity Determination
Toxic to Dogs?
NO (Safe)
Toxic to Cats?
NO (Safe)
Clinical Symptoms:
Non-toxic. Safe for dogs and cats.
Quantitative Care Thresholds
Light Level Profile
Bright Indirect
Minimum Light Requirement
1500 Lux
Maximum Light Tolerance
4500 Lux
Watering Frequency
Every 5 Days
Temperature Envelope
18°C – 28°C
Ideal Ambient Humidity
60% RH
Taxonomic & Field Verification
GBIF Usage Key
3173196
Native Biogeographical Range
Armenia | Manizales | Pasto; Assam; Bogotá; Caribbean; East Africa; Galápagos Is...