Dieffenbachia
Big, paddle-shaped leaves mottled in cream and green on a sturdy cane, quick to fill a corner. Easy to grow, and one of the more toxic houseplants: the sap numbs the mouth, hence the name.
Dieffenbachia is one of the fastest ways to fill a corner with big, handsome leaves. It grows quickly in decent light, tolerates a range of conditions, and the variegated types brighten a dim room.
The common name, dumb cane, is a warning: the sap makes the mouth swell and can stop speech. It is not a plant for a home with toddlers or plant-chewing pets.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window, or a few feet from a south one. It tolerates medium light with less variegation. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Water
Water when the top two inches are dry, about weekly in summer and every twelve days in winter. It droops when thirsty and recovers fast. Overwatering shows as yellow lower leaves and a soft cane.
Soil and potting
A standard well-draining mix. It grows fast; repot every eighteen months in spring, one size up.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Cut the top and root it in water. Cane sections laid sideways in damp mix sprout new shoots. Wear gloves; the sap irritates skin.
In a hot, dry home
Comfortable here. It tolerates dry air well for a tropical plant and does not mind AC as long as it is not directly in the draft. Keep it out of hot sun through glass.
Dieffenbachia varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Camille
Cream-white leaves with a green margin. Compact and the most common.
- Tropic Snow
Large green leaves splashed with cream. Grows big.
- Panther
Dark green leaves with white speckles.
- Camouflage
Pale green leaves mottled in darker green.
- Green Magic
Dark green leaves with a white midrib.
- Reflector
Dark leaves splashed with lime green.
- Amy
Compact, heavily cream-splashed.
- Cool Beauty
White-centred leaves with a green edge.
Problems and fixes
Lower leaves yellowing and dropping
Likely cause: Normal ageing if slow; overwatering if fast
Fix: Old leaves drop as the cane grows. If many go at once, let it dry out more.
Brown edges
Likely cause: Dry air or salts from tap water
Fix: Use filtered water; raise humidity a little.
Bare cane with a tuft on top
Likely cause: Age
Fix: Cut the top and root it; the stump sprouts new growth.
Dieffenbachia questions
How toxic is dieffenbachia?
More than most houseplants. The sap causes intense mouth pain and swelling in pets and people. Keep it well away from children and animals and wear gloves when cutting it.
How much light does dieffenbachia need?
Bright indirect light is ideal. It tolerates medium light with less variegation.
Why is my dieffenbachia drooping?
Usually thirst. Water it and it perks up within hours. If the soil is wet and it still droops, the roots may be rotting.
