Looking for a low-maintenance way to add color, charm, and personality to your workspace? Polka Dot Plants (Hypoestes phyllostachya) are the perfect desk companions! Known for their delightfully speckled foliage in shades of pink, red, white, and green, these cheerful plants are compact, colorful, and easy to grow indoors. Whether you want a subtle splash of color or a bold statement, these 10 eye-catching Polka Dot Plant varieties will liven up your desk and lift your mood with minimal effort.
1. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Pink Splash’
A classic favorite for soft, rosy vibes.
‘Pink Splash’ is the quintessential Polka Dot Plant, featuring vivid pink spots scattered across deep green leaves. This variety adds a soft pop of color to your desk and thrives in bright, indirect light. It stays compact with regular pinching, making it ideal for small pots. Its playful, blushing tones are perfect for brightening up neutral workspaces and bringing a little joy to your 9-to-5.
2. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘White Splash’
Clean and modern with a fresh twist.
‘White Splash’ offers a crisp contrast between green foliage and snow-white speckles, making it an excellent pick for minimalist or monochrome decor. Its lighter appearance makes it feel fresh and airy, especially in bright indoor settings. Like other Hypoestes varieties, it appreciates consistent moisture and occasional misting. This plant pairs beautifully with white planters or concrete pots for a sleek, stylish look.
3. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Red Splash’
Bold and dramatic for a powerful pop.
For those who like their plants with attitude, ‘Red Splash’ delivers with fiery red markings on dark green leaves. Its vivid coloration commands attention and adds energy to any desk. This variety thrives with bright, indirect light and benefits from occasional pinching to maintain its bushy shape. It’s great for pairing with darker office accessories or adding a vibrant contrast to wooden desks.
4. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Confetti Mix’
Can’t choose? Get a party of colors in one pot!
The ‘Confetti Mix’ is a joyful combination of pink, red, and white-spotted varieties, giving your desk a lively, multicolored display in a single pot. This mix is perfect for adding visual interest and variety without the need for multiple plants. It’s also a great gift idea for coworkers or friends who love cheerful, easy-to-care-for greenery.
5. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Pink Brocade’
Delicate and ornamental with a lacy feel.
‘Pink Brocade’ offers fine, lace-like pink speckling, giving the plant an almost embroidered appearance. It feels more artistic than loud and is ideal for more refined or feminine decor styles. It does best in medium to bright light and prefers regular but light watering. This variety pairs beautifully with antique-style pots or soft pastel palettes.
6. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘White Brocade’
Subtle elegance with vintage flair.
A cousin to the ‘Pink Brocade,’ this version swaps pink for snowy white variegation, lending a gentle, vintage-inspired look. Its understated color makes it a great complement to more dramatic plants or décor. Perfect for desks with limited natural light, it will thrive with a little attention and moderate moisture.
7. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Pink Dot’
Bright pink dots that almost glow.
‘Pink Dot’ features smaller, more concentrated speckles that often make the leaves appear dusted in glowing pink. The effect is vibrant and energetic, great for boosting creativity and focus during long work hours. Keep it pinched back for a compact growth habit, and place it near a window for the best coloration.
8. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Carmina’
Deep red drama with refined style.
‘Carmina’ boasts rich, burgundy-red tones with black-green undertones, giving it a darker, more sophisticated edge. It’s perfect for sleek, modern workspaces or darker interiors where bold color is needed. This variety loves warmth and humidity, so consider misting occasionally. It looks especially stunning in matte black or metallic pots.
9. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Splash Select Rose’
Compact and color-packed for small spaces.
This variety features intense rose-pink splotches on deep green leaves, offering a higher contrast and vibrant appeal. It grows in a tidy, rounded form, ideal for tiny planters on shelves or corners of your desk. Its rich coloration is long-lasting with the right lighting and makes a bold impression in a small footprint.
10. Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Purple Splash’
Uncommon hue for a touch of the unexpected.
For something a bit different, ‘Purple Splash’ brings soft lavender or plum-colored speckles to the mix. It’s a subtle twist on the typical pinks and reds, and looks especially charming in cool-toned or silver containers. Like others in the Hypoestes family, it needs consistent moisture and some bright light to keep its colors vibrant.