A guide to this popular and beautiful houseplant. which has decorated homes and offices for decades.
Dieffenbachias have been decorating homes and offices for decades. These showy houseplants are prized for their vividly variegated foliage and large bushy growth habits. Some varieties grow up to five feet tall. The large pointed leaves grow from a central stem, or cane. As the plant ages it will lose its lower leaves, giving it a palm like look.
It gets the nicknames “Dumb Cane” and “Mother in Law Plant” as a result of the effects of the milky sap it contains. If ingested it causes a burning sensation in the mouth, swells the tongue, and paralyzes the vocal cords, literally taking one’s voice away. It has the same affect on cats and dogs, so it’s important to keep this plant out of reach. The sap can also cause mild skin irritation so be sure to wash hands after handling.
Dieffenbachias are not hard to grow as long as you keep them away from drafts and cold temperatures. Anything below 60 degrees will cause the plant to suffer and possibly die. It also needs a good amount of humidity so mist regularly or keep on a humidity tray. They are happy in anything from bright, indirect light to partial shade. Keep out of direct sunlight though as the leaves burn easily. Dieffenbachias tend to be vigorous growers, so annual repotting is usually necessary.
Propagation is fairly easy. If the plant has gotten leggy due to age or improper care, the crown can be cut off and potted up. The remaining cane can be left alone and new sprouts will appear, or it can be cut into three inch pieces and placed in individual pots. Some types even produce offshoots which can be removed and potted up.
Dieffenbachias come in several varieties, only one of which is all green (Dieffenbachia oerstedii). D. pictais the most common variety found in stores, and sports long, deep green leaves with white splotches. The Camile, Marianne and Rudolph varieties of D. picta are almost entirely ivory. One of the largest varieties available isD. amoena, which reaches five feet tall at maturity with leaves over a foot long. This type makes an outstanding specimen plant.
Here are some common problems Dieffenbachias face:
Insects- Mealybugs and Spider Mites love Dieffenbachia. For the former, if the infestation is light they can be rubbed off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Heavier infestations need an insecticidal soap. For Spider Mites, increase humidity. Mites thrive in hot dry air.
Lower Leaves Yellow and Wilt: This is a sign that the plant caught a draft. Dieffenbachias don’t like cold air. If the plant is near a drafty door or window, or worse, the output from an air conditioner, move it immediately.
Loss of Leaves: Most Dieffenbachias lose their lower leaves as they age. If the leaves are young, dry air or drafts are probably to blame.
Faded Leaves: Too much light. Dieffenbachias don’t tolerate direct sunlight well. The varigations will fade and ultimately the leaves will burn. Move to a partially shady or bright but indirectly lit location.
Browning on Leaves: This happens when the plant is allowed to dry out. Keep the soil moist at all times.
Dieffenbachias provide visually stunning home décor and should be a part of every indoor gardeners collection!
