Dieffenbachia is a genus of perennials, also known as dumb cane, with several species commonly grown as air-purifying tropical houseplants. These Central and South American natives feature pointed, ovate leaves in a variety of combinations of green, cream, and white colors, and they can reach 10 feet tall.
Note that these plants are toxic to people and pets.
| Common Names | Dieffenbachia, dumb cane |
| Botanical Name | Dieffenbachia spp. |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Size | 3–10 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 10–12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Caribbean, South America |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, pets |
Dieffenbachia Care
Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight, kept away from full sun exposure. Plant it in fertile, well-drained potting soil with a high peat content. Water when the soil begins to dry out. As a tropical plant, dieffenbachia will do best in average room temperature and high humidity.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Planting
When planting indoors, consider placing the dieffenbachia plant in a naturally humid area, like a bathroom or kitchen, where it will thrive.
If you live in a warm climate, plant dieffenbachia outdoors in your shade garden where it can enjoy a little dappled light. Don't let the soil dry out completely. If you are planting more than one dieffenbachia in a garden, give them plenty of space (a few feet between each).
Light
Place dieffenbachia plants in bright, indirect light. They will favor the side facing the light, so periodically rotate the plant to keep its growth balanced.
Soil
Use a fast-draining, well-aerated potting mix. Make sure drainage is good to avoid damaging the roots; they should never be left in soggy soil.
Water
During the growing season, dieffenbachias like regular moisture and do not want to dry out, so water whenever the top couple inches of soil are dry. A large dieffenbachia might need to be watered twice a week.
In the winter, you can cut back on the water. At the same time, it's important not to overwater a dieffenbachia, which can cause rot problems. Make sure the top of the soil is fully dried out before watering.
Keep the Soil Moist
Determining exactly when to water dieffenbachias can be tricky. Use a moisture meter to evaluate the soil, and water just before it becomes dry. This will provide consistent moisture without flooding the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant likes fairly warm conditions, from 65 to 75°F. If the temperature drops below 60 or if the plant is exposed to cold drafts, it is likely to lose lower leaves and assume a palm-like appearance. The plant appreciates high humidity.
Fertilizer
For best results, feed regularly (every four to six weeks) with a balanced, diluted fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions. However, some growers swear by a routine of using a weak diluted fertilizer at every watering.
Types of Dieffenbachia
The Dieffenbachia genus includes a large group of beautiful tropical perennials, but the ones most commonly grown in cultivation are D. sequine, D. oerstedii, D. maculata, and D. amoena. Further, cultivars are available of these species.
- D. seguine, the most popular Dieffenbachia species, is a native of Brazil with clusters of large ovate leaves with green margins splotched with yellow or cream color. It can grow as tall as 10 feet.
- D. maculata (formerly known as D. picta) offers good cultivars that include 'Perfection,' with intensely variegated 8-inch leaves; 'Rudolph Roehrs,' with fully yellow leaves with ivory splotches; and 'Superba,' with thicker leaves and white variegation.
- D. maculata 'Camille' has pale yellow leaves with white margins and grows to about 3 feet.
- D. amoena is a large, 6-foot plant with 20-inch leaves. One notable cultivar is 'Tropic Snow,' which has smaller leaves and more variegation.
- Dieffenbachia 'Carina' has medium green leaves with darker green edges.
- Dieffenbachia 'Compacta' is smaller and has green, heavily speckled leaves.
Pruning
A dieffenbachia plant usually requires pruning when it's too tall and there seem to be few leaves on the lower part of the stem. With a sterilized, sharp cutting tool, prune the plant so that about a foot of stem remains to trigger new growth.
You can also remove dead, yellowing leaves from the bottom, if desired.
Propagating Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is easy to propagate. The best methods are via root division, from a stump, and from cane cuttings.
Root Division
- During repotting in the spring, divide offsets, leaving some roots intact.
- If you take this route, make sure not to damage the root systems of the parent plant in the process, and use a sterilized tool to avoid spreading disease.
- Plant each offset in a pot filled with fast-draining potting mix and water well.
Stump Propagation
- In older, leggy dieffenbachias, cut off the top of the plant.
- Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.
- Plant in a pot with fast-draining potting mix. New leaves will sprout from the stump.
- Once new leaves appear, remove the older leaves.
Cuttings
- Pieces of the cane can be sprouted by laying them horizontally in damp potting soil.
- As the pieces take root, leaves will gradually sprout.
- Plant each rooted piece in its own pot filled with fresh potting mix.
Potting and Repotting Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachias often need annual replanting. Watch out for signs of stress on the plant, such as roots poking out from the soil surface, crowding, or falling leaves, which could signal that the plant needs repotting.
To repot, simply lift the plant as a whole, knock away any old soil and dead material from the roots, and place it in a larger container with some added fresh soil. After repotting a dieffenbachia, give it some time to adjust to its new setting. Wear gloves to avoid contact with the sap.
Overwintering
Bring a potted dieffenbachia plant indoors during cooler months and keep it in a bright spot where the temperature will stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the plant once a week as it won't need as much water as in the summertime.
Common Pests
Dieffenbachia plants are largely trouble-free, but like many indoor plants, they can be susceptible to spider mites, especially indoor plants that are placed in dry air. These pests can be treated with a horticultural oil along with added humidity.
Common Problems With Dieffenbachia
You will be able to tell a lot about your dieffenbachia by the state of its leaves. Watch for certain colorations on the leaves to let you know what to do to amend conditions.
Yellowing or Browning Leaves
Overwatering or underwatering your plant can turn the leaves yellow and then brown. Often, they will also fall off the plant. Check the soil by sticking a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it's wet, hold off on watering for a week or so.
Leaves could also turn yellow because the plant is lacking nutrients, such as nitrogen. Though this can be tough to diagnose, it won't hurt to use a plant fertilizer to see if will bring your plant back to health.
Drooping Leaves
Dieffenbachia prefers partial shade. If your plant droops, it may mean it's getting too much sunlight. Move the plant to a spot with indirect sunlight. However, if it's not getting enough light, the leaves may turn yellow and droop. Move it to an area with a bit more light to alleviate this problem.
The plant may droop because it is cold or near a draft. Keep your plant in a consistently warm area that's between 65 degrees to 75 degrees.