Dieffenbachia, also commonly known as the “Dumb Cane Plant”, is a popular houseplant native to the tropical climates of the Caribbean, Central America, and the West Indies of South America. Its gorgeous pointed leaves are dark green with cream or white spots marbled down the center and dotted with green, yellow, or creamy white veins.
These low-care plants are great for beginners, and their popularity in Victorian times means they have long been beloved as houseplants in modern homes.
These easy-to-grow plants also have the incredible ability to purify the air, with one average 6-inch potted plant able to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air up to 100 feet around the plant. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall outdoors, but will only reach 3-5 feet when grown indoors.
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Why is dieffenbachia called the “silly walking stick plant”?
The entire dieffenbachia plant, leaves, stems and roots all contain needle-like crystalline poisons that, if ingested, can cause numbness, swelling and a burning sensation in the mouth, as well as confusion and inability to speak.
Although the name has fallen out of use as a derogatory term, the sap should be avoided and care should be taken when caring for the plant, for this reason it is recommended to wear gloves when pruning the plant and to take extra care when keeping this plant if you have small children or pets in the home.
How often should I water my dieffenbachia?
Because this is a tropical plant, it needs a slightly moist environment to mimic the daily rains of the tropics. The soil should be kept lightly moist without drying out completely (you can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil), but avoid constantly soggy soil as this will lead to root rot.
In areas with less light, you can water a little less as the water takes longer to evaporate, so in sunny areas you’ll need to water your plants more frequently. Drainage hole Provide a saucer and discard excess water from the saucer every time you water.
How much sunlight does a dieffenbachia plant need?
Although dieffenbachia’s native habitat is low light under trees, this beautiful plant can tolerate medium to bright indirect sunlight situations. The plant prefers more indirect light in the spring, summer, and fall, but can tolerate direct sunlight in the winter (however, direct sunlight the rest of the year may burn the leaves).
As plants grow, they will stretch into the sun, so rotate them occasionally to keep them balanced. Some cultivars, such as Tropic Snow, Tiki, and Camille, do well in bright light, so look for them if you have a sunny spot.
Dieffenbachia Temperature and Humidity
Dieffenbachia prefers temperatures between 65° and 75°, so it generally thrives indoors. To reduce temperature shock, keep your dieffenbachia away from vents and cold drafts; also, the leaves will be damaged if the plant is kept in temperatures below 60° (so if you’re growing it outdoors, bring it inside when temperatures reach that level).
Because this is a tropical plant, it likes a high humidity level of around 40% to 50%, so you might want to use a humidifier nearby (especially if the air is dry). Alternatively, you can fill a tray with pebbles and water and place the pot on top of it. Add water to just below the pebbles, then place the pot on top of the stones and the water in the tray will evaporate, creating humidity around the plant.
Should I fertilize my dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia benefits from a diluted fertilizer high in nitrogen. 20-20-20 Fertilizer Fertilize (at half strength) every 4-6 weeks during the growing seasons of spring, summer and fall. Less fertilizer is needed in winter when the plant is dormant, but overall fertilizing should improve the health and beauty of your plant.
Pruning Dieffenbachia
To keep your dieffenbachia healthy, prune it by cutting off any damaged or browned leaves to encourage new growth. Use sharp scissors. Or pruning shears Remove dead leaves and stems to give the plant a neater appearance, and as the plant grows, remove weaker lower leaves to give it a more palm-like appearance.
If the plant is getting too large, cut off the top and new growth will appear.
Please remember Wear gloves when pruning The sap from the plant can cause adverse reactions to the skin and throat.
Repotting Dieffenbachia
To prevent dieffenbachia from becoming root bound, plant new plants planter If necessary, make it about 2 inches larger. To know if it’s time to move it to a larger planter, check to see if the roots at the bottom of the pot have started to grow out of the drainage holes. If they have, it means the roots definitely need space to spread out and it’s time to move it to a larger pot.
In low light areas you may not need to repot your dieffenbachia as often, but in brighter areas the plant will grow faster and will need to be repotted more frequently. Drainage holes and trays Ensure proper drainage and Well-drained potting soil (Peat moss and perlite are best for dieffenbachia).
When repotting, be sure to wear gloves to avoid getting the plant’s sap on your skin, and repot in early spring if possible.
Dieffenbachia propagation
Always wear protective gloves when breeding. Dividing plants by root division Divide the plant with sterilized cutting tools (to avoid spreading disease to the plant). Rooting hormone (Optional but useful) Then, replant the divided plant in a separate container. Well-drained soil And water it well.
To Propagated by stem cuttingsUse a clean cutting tool to cut a healthy stem just above where it branches off from the main stem. Submerge the cutting in a few inches of water (remove any lower leaves that are submerged in water) and place in indirect sunlight. Change the water every 3 to 5 days until healthy roots appear, then plant in soil and water generously.
How to make dieffenbachia bloom
Like the peace lily, it can be pretty difficult to get dieffenbachia to bloom with its tiny white spikes of flowers. If you want to give it a try, place your plant outdoors in bright, indirect light during the warmer months, and you might just see the stubborn blooms bloom. If you live in USDA zones 11 or 12, you’ll have a better chance of seeing them bloom than in other climates.
Different types of dieffenbachia
There are many species of dieffenbachia, but the most common are:
- Dieffenbachia seguine: This is the most popular dieffenbachia species and features dark green leaves with cream-colored veins.
- Dieffenbachia “Camo”: This variety has yellow-green leaves, cream-colored veins, and dark green speckles that give it a camouflage-like appearance.
- Dieffenbachia “Tiki”: It can tolerate low sunlight, making it a great choice for low light locations. This plant has lots of silvery leaves with green and white accents.
- Dieffenbachia ‘Panther’: The plant features long green leaves with silvery or creamy white veins, and the bushy foliage tends to give it a lush look.
- Dieffenbachia ‘Compact’: This plant is also a fuller looking variety, with cream-coloured leaves speckled with dark green throughout.
- Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’: This plant is a striking variety, with dark green leaves with white veins and is more tolerant of low light conditions.
- Dieffenbachia maculata ‘Camille’: Camille leaves are silvery with mottled green and white.
- Dieffenbachia The Snow Queen: Snow Queen leaves are bright yellow with white veins and green edges.
- Dieffenbachia “Rudolf Rohrs”: This species is characterized by pale yellow leaves with green speckles and white veins.
Diagnosing common problems
- pest: Spider mites are a common problem with this plant (scale insects, aphids and mealybugs also occur). Horticultural Oil If you notice any pests, check the undersides of the leaves for insects.
- Yellow leaves: This can be a sign of both over-watering and under-watering. Stick your finger into the soil and if it’s very dry, your plant is probably not getting enough water. If the soil is very wet, you’re probably over-watering it. If the soil is wet, let the plant dry out until it’s almost dry, then water it again. Cut off any yellow leaves.
- Drooping leaves: Drooping leaves can be caused by too much or too little sunlight. If your plant is in a low light area, move it to a brighter area for a while. Also, if it is getting too much sunlight, move it to a slightly less lit area. Keep in mind that not enough water for your plant or being near a poorly ventilated or cold place can also cause drooping leaves.
FAQ
Is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane Plant) Poisonous to Pets and Children?
The leaves, stems, and roots of dieffenbachia contain needle-like crystals (acicular crystals) throughout the plant. If ingested, they can cause numbness, swelling, and a burning sensation in the mouth, and can make it difficult to speak. It is recommended that you use extreme caution when keeping this plant near pets and small children, and place it high and out of reach.
Source: A Beautiful Mess – abeautifulmess.com
