Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane)

All about the Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia plant is an excellent choice for beginners since it is straightforward to grow and take care of. However, this plant is quite toxic. The sap that the Dieffenbachia plant produces can hurt or irritate the skin. This plant has broad, lush leaves that are a combination of green, yellow, and white. Adding this plant to your space will instantly give it a tropical feel. Additionally, this plant grows quickly too.

It is a tough plant, and a bit of carelessness will not affect it too much. This is why the Dieffenbachias are such a good choice for novices and who do not have the time to take care of a high-maintenance plant.

With the help of this beginner’s plant care guide, your Dieffenbachia plant is sure to last a long time.

Nicknames

Dieffenbachia plant has several different names. They are:

• Dumb Cane
• Leopard Lily
• Mother-in-law’s Tongue

Different types of the Dieffenbachia plant

Dieffenbachia consists of a variety. Here are some of the different types of Dieffenbachias.

• Dieffenbachia Camille
• Dieffenbachia Camouflage
• Dieffenbachia Maculata
• Dieffenbachia Seguine
• Dieffenbachia Compacta
• Dieffenbachia Delilah
• Dieffenbachia Honeydew
• Dieffenbachia Carina
• Dieffenbachia Puerto Rico Variegated
• Dieffenbachia White Etna

Some of these species may have undergone a name change.

Origin of the Dieffenbachia

The Dieffenbachia plant originates from Mexico and the Caribbean. It belongs to the Araceae family. Because it is native to a warmer climate, this houseplant does not do well in the cold and will flourish in a warm environment.

How to (generally) take care of the Dieffenbachia

The Dieffenbachia can grow as tall as 182 centimeters, while indoors, the plant is likely not to grow as tall. It may also grow flowers but not when planted indoors.

To clean the plant, use a damp cloth to clean off the dust. Do this every few months.

And just be sure to inspect your plant regularly for insects or pests and monitor the plant's condition.

Here are some more tips for caring for the Dieffenbachia plant.

Watering

When watering the Dieffenbachia plant, one thing to keep in mind is not to over-water it. In case the soil becomes overly moist, wait for at least the top 2 inches of the soil to become dry and then proceed to water the base.

Over-watering can ruin the leaves of this plant, causing them to become limp. It can also make the roots rot. So, well-drained soil is essential for the well-being of this houseplant.

Furthermore, a light mist of water during the winter will prevent dryness.

Location

The Dieffenbachia plant needs indirect light. However, less light will still not damage this plant, but it will slow down the growth of this houseplant.

Placing the plant in a location where it can get bright and indirect sunlight will help it grow quicker. Humidity is also essential for it and will allow this tropical plant to thrive.

Avoid placing this plant under direct sunlight as that will burn the leaves.

The Dumb Cane does best in warmer temperatures like 16-27°C. It is likely to suffer in cooler temperatures. Temperatures lower than 10°C will damage the houseplant. So make sure to choose a warm place for this plant.

Temperatures that are too cold for this plant will cause its leaves to drop.

Plant nutrition

Feed the Dumb Cane with fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. A high-quality fertilizer that is specific for houseplants should be used.

There isn’t any need to feed this plant during the winter. It should only be fed in the growing season. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer pack.

When it comes to potting, do not repot often. Repot at the start of the beginning growing season and make sure to use a bigger pot than the previous one. Repotting, however, can make this plant grow taller.

For pruning, wear a pair of gloves and trim with sterilized scissors. Do this occasionally as very little pruning is required, and remember to water the plant afterward. Additionally, older leaves tend to turn yellow on their own and will die. If too many leaves are dying, then this could be the cause of a bigger issue.

Air-purifying

The Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane gives an excellent tropical feel to any space and has the ability to prevent air pollution by absorbing all the toxins and cleaning the air.

As a result, you get to feel relaxed and breathe in clean air while indoors.

Toxicity

This plant has calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation or swelling if chewed. The Dumb Cane is toxic, and this toxicity is in the juice of this plant. Interestingly, it gets its name because chewing it can cause swelling in the vocal cords and make it hard to speak.

Always use gloves when taking care of this plant. And the Dumb Cane should be kept out of children and pet’s reach. If the pain or swelling becomes too much, it is better to consult a doctor.

Propagating the Dieffenbachia

Propagating the Dieffenbachia plant is easy. The spring season is the best time to propagate this houseplant. Use a sterilized tool for this to prevent the spread of bacteria. Propagation of this plant can be done by rooting the stem cutting in either potting medium or water.

When rooting the cutting in the potting medium, make sure the bottom of the cutting is in rooting hormone and then set it in the potting medium. Ensure that the soil is moist and continue watering it to prevent it from drying.