Description
All dieffenbachias have large leaves and, depending on the species, white spots or green or golden-marbled margins. Growing these plants comes down to one essential thing: providing high air humidity.
Dieffenbachia is a robust, shrub-like perennial with thick, fleshy stems bearing large, broad leaves with a prominent midrib and strikingly irregular, ragged-edged patterns of spots.
Spotted dumb cane comes from the tropics of Central and South America, mainly from Brazil and the rainforests of Colombia.
It can reach a height of one metre.
Requirements
A moderately difficult plant to grow. It does well at 15–18°C; the maximum temperature in summer should not exceed 24°C, and in winter it should not fall below 10°C. It likes light but also grows well in somewhat darker places – only varieties with pale leaves need more light. It needs high humidity and does not tolerate draughts or car exhaust fumes.
Propagation
After a few years dieffenbachias lose their lower leaves, become leggy and unattractive. Renew them by cutting the stem about 10 cm above the soil. The plant will then produce a new shoot, and the cut stem can be used to make new cuttings. Some varieties can also be propagated from side shoots. Because dieffenbachia sap is poisonous and irritates the skin, wear gloves when doing this.
Care
Water the plant so that the soil is always moist but not wet; feed with fertiliser sticks or granules. From time to time spray or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, taking care not to tear them while removing the dust. Use flower compost mixed with sand and clay (a little expanded clay can be added to improve it).
When plants get sick
Brown spots on the leaves – can only be explained by lack of light, above all because it never happens in midsummer.
Before you buy
Dieffenbachia is a highly poisonous plant; its sap causes strong reactions of the skin and mucous membranes. Be very careful when planting it in a terrarium, as even animals drinking dew from its leaves can be poisoned.
Average lifespan: – lives for several years.
Difficulty of care: – relatively easy to care for.