The Dumbcane Plant for Elegant Indoor Foliage
The Dieffenbachia, Popular Houseplant with Attractive Striped Leaves
Feb 11, 2009
Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant and for those living in the tropics this plant grows freely outdoors in the shade, but for many people this interesting plant is grown as an indoor plant and can be seen in homes, offices and lobbies around the world. It is a member of the Araceae family and it is native to tropical America and the West Indies.
Dieffenbachia (dif- n-bak-e-a) is more commonly known as Dumbcane, Giant Dumbcane, Spotted Dumbcane and Dieffenbachia picta.
Types of Dumbcane Plants
Dumbcane plants can grow anywhere from less than one foot up to 10ft. tall and have leaves 20 inches or more. With time the lower leaves may die away leaving a tall cane like stem with leaves at the top only. The leaves, which are wide, oval and tapering, can be plain green with light veins, variegated and also blotchy with cream markings. The flowers are a bonus but insignificant compared to the foliage. The main types of Dumbcane plants are: Tropic Snow, Dumbcane Compacta, Tropic Marianne and Dumbcane Superba.
Growing a Dumbcane Plant
- Moist soil is a must. It is important not to let the soil dry out. A thorough watering once a week during the Spring/Summer months is essential. Watering once a month is okay for the winter period.
- Dumbcanes are tropical by nature so they like a high humidity. Spray the plant using a fine nozzle to give a gentle overall misting of the entire plant, over and under the leaves.
- Light is very important. In a natural tropical situation Dumbcane plants like the shade but in the home environment a medium light is preferred. A south facing window is a good place to achieve this. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure an even share of light for all the leaves.
- Heat is also important and 60 degrees Fahrenheit is required. Avoid placing the plant in a drafty position.
- Use humus-rich compost and give the plant a liquid feed once a month during the growing season. Ensure good drainage.
Propagating a Dieffenbachia Plant
Increasing the stock of Dumbcane is simple and is done by cutting the main stem. This may sound a bit drastic but once a cut has been made in the stem new leaves will shoot from here within a few weeks. While wearing gloves cut the stem at the desired height, apply some rooting compound to the base of the cutting and plant it into a similar plant mix as the parent plant. Another method of propagating is by air-layering. This is done by cutting through the stem and wrapping the cut end in a plastic bag filled with wet moss. Within a few weeks new roots will appear. At this time sever the stem just below the plastic and plant the new root ball in fresh compost.
Dumbcane Plant Problems
- Spider mites are sometimes a bother to Dumbcane plants. Spray the plant with a general insecticide to clear them.
- Mildew may appear on the leaves. Clean it away and allow more air to circulate around the plant. Weather permitting a spell outdoors will work wonders.
- Plants with dropping or brown/yellow leaves may be because the plant is too cold or waterlogged.
Dumbcane Toxicity
Dieffenbachia is a toxic plant, all parts are poisonous and care should be taken while handling this plant as the sap if ingested can cause a numbing of the lips and mouth rendering speech impossible. The name Dumbcane comes from this numbing side effect of this ever popular houseplant.
Dumbcane is an elegant houseplant and care should be taken when choosing the correct plant container to pot it in. As an indoor focal plant consider combining Dieffenbachia with Rubber plants and Dracaena plants.
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