The easiest way to fertilize Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is native to the New World Tropics from Mexico and the West Indies south to Argentina. Some species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, especially as houseplants, and have become naturalized on a f…
How to take care of Dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia Care 1 Light. Dieffenbachia plants are popular indoor plants largely because they do well in shady conditions, but these plants do appreciate bright light during the winter months. 2 Soil. Use a fast-draining, well-aerated potting mix. ... 3 Water. ... 4 Temperature and Humidity. ... 5 Fertilizer. ...
What is the best soil for Dieffenbachia?
A perfect soil is a palm mix. Fertilizer is great for plants that grow very quickly and use a lot of energy to do so, like the Dieffenbachia. During the growing season, the spring and summer, you should fertilize your Dieffenbachia once per month. By doing this, you provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow so quickly.
How do you root Dieffenbachia cuttings?
The best way to grow more dieffenbachia plants is to take stem cuttings (this is called “propagating”). Cut off the growing tip of the plant but leave the top two leaves. Dip the cut end in Miracle-Gro® FastRoot1® Dry Powder Rooting Hormone and stick it 1 to 2 inches down in a small container filled with moist Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix.
What fertilizer is best for Dieffenbachia?
How to Grow DieffenbachiaGive the plant lots of indirect light or grow outside in speckled shady areas of zones 11 and 12.Plant dieffenbachia in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix.Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.A month after planting, begin feeding with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food.More items...
How often should you fertilize Dieffenbachia plant?
every 4-6 weeksDieffenbachias are considered heavy feeders. As a general guide, use a complete fertilizer such as 20-20-20 and feed every 4-6 weeks only during the active growing season. Maintain moderately moist soil. Watering is an important part of growing dieffenbachia.
How do you keep Dieffenbachia happy?
Dieffenbachia prefer soil that is consistently and lightly moist, but not soggy. Generally, aim to water when the top 1”- 2” of the soil is dry, but if the plant is in a lower light condition, it can comfortably dry out a little further.
How do you encourage growth of Dieffenbachia?
To keep dieffenbachia from growing leggy, pinch or prune out the new growth at the top regularly. Pruning out new top growth like this will encourage your plant to grow bushier, and stay more compact. If your dumb cane has grown tall and leggy, you can top the plant, or cut it back anywhere on the stem.
What causes dieffenbachia leaves to yellow?
Exposure to too much sun can cause a plant leaf to turn yellow and droop. Before you know it, all the leaves will turn yellow. If your plant is placed in the middle of the room away from a light source, it's best to move it to the window sill, where it can get direct sunlight during the day.
Why do dieffenbachia have brown tips?
Leaves have brown tips — Brown tips on your dieffenbachia's leaves could be caused by uneven watering. Keep your watering practices a little more regular and never let your plant sit in water. Leaves are curled with brown edges — Curled, browning leaves could be caused by excessive fertilizer application.
Should you mist dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia loves humidity. Putting it in a bathroom will give you bath a great look and give it the humidity it likes. If you want to have it in another room, mist the leaves from time to time to keep the humidity high.
How often should you water a dieffenbachia?
once every two weeksWatering your Dieffenbachia It has thin roots, so it can't tolerate wet soil for too long, but it also doesn't store a lot of moisture by itself. This is why you should water your Dieffenbachia regularly, but not too often. Once per week or once every two weeks is usually the right time to water your plant.
How long do dieffenbachia plants live?
Dieffenbachia is a fast-growing plant that can achieve 2 feet in height within a year. How long can a dieffenbachia houseplant live? Dieffenbachia houseplants can live for years as long as you refresh them as their leaves die off and they are repotted every so often.
How do you make a bushy dieffenbachia?
It is quite easy to cut back dieffenbachia. In order to reduce the plant's size, cut the upper stem back to a leaf node. If you want to promote bushier growth, remove top growth by pinching or, in older plants, with pruners or shears. New growth will come in just below the cut.
Can you propagate dieffenbachia from a leaf?
Dieffenbachias can't be propagated from leaf cuttings, but stem cuttings work very well.
Why is my dieffenbachia not growing?
There are a few reasons your dieffenbachia might not be growing. A dieffenbachia's growth might be stunted if it's not being kept in a warm or sunny enough environment. It may also stop growing if it isn't receiving enough nutrients. Finally, stunted leaf growth may be a sign of a pest infestation.
How often should you water a dieffenbachia?
once every two weeksWatering your Dieffenbachia It has thin roots, so it can't tolerate wet soil for too long, but it also doesn't store a lot of moisture by itself. This is why you should water your Dieffenbachia regularly, but not too often. Once per week or once every two weeks is usually the right time to water your plant.
Do dieffenbachia like to be misted?
As a tropical plant, it will do best in high humidity. One way to provide this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Misting the leaves can help during the dry winter months. Like many indoor houseplants, overwatering is a common problem with this plant.
Why is my Dumb Cane drooping and turning yellow?
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) leaves most commonly turn yellow due to overwatering, but other causes include lighting problems, temperature extremes, low humidity, pests or nutrient deficiency.
How do you know if a Dieffenbachia plant needs too much sunlight?
As with the watering issues, your plant will also let you know if it's not getting the light it needs to thrive. If the leaves turn green, it's not getting enough sunlight and if they're turning yellow, it's getting too much sunlight . If you know you've watered your Dieffenbachia perfectly, but its leaves are still turning yellow, you'll know it's getting too much light.
What kind of light do dieffenbachias need?
So the perfect light exposure for your Dieffenbachia is indirect light or even lowlight situations.
Why do my plants die?
Overwatering is the biggest cause of killing your plants. Some plants love a lot of water and others need to be in dry soil to thrive. The Dieffenbachia is right in between. It has thin roots, so it can't tolerate wet soil for too long, but it also doesn't store a lot of moisture by itself.
What does it mean when your Dieffenbachia leaves turn yellow?
When the leaves are starting to hang a little bit, then it's not getting enough water.
Is Dieffenbachia poisonous to pets?
The Dieffenbachia is mildly toxic to pets and small children when the leaves and stems are being chewed. Chewing this plant can cause irritation and a burning sensation. Luckily this is only temporary and the symptoms are only mild. It's still a good idea to keep this plant away from your pets and young children if you can.
Can you water a plant in a pot?
When you do water your plant, it's best to have a pot with drainage holes, like in the photo above, to let the excess water drip out of the pot. The soil wasn't able to absorb this excess water and you don't want your plant to sit in it as this could cause root rot.
Can you donate a plant guide?
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide or donate a plant in order to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
How to grow dieffenbachia?
How to Grow More Dieffenbachia. The best way to grow more dieffenbachia plants is to take stem cuttings (this is called “propagating”). Cut off the growing tip of the plant but leave the top two leaves. Dip the cut end in Miracle-Gro® FastRoot1® Dry Powder Rooting Hormone and stick it 1 to 2 inches down in a small container filled ...
How to grow Dieffenbachia in a container?
How to Plant Dieffenbachia. Select a container that is no more than 1/3 wider in diameter than the plant’s original pot or root ball. Fill the bottom 1/3 of the container with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, which is lightweight and formulated to be less prone to gnats (a common problem with houseplants), as it contains no compost or bark for ...
Why is my Dieffenbachia numb?
This plant’s common name is “dumbcane,” and for good reason: The sap of the plant can cause numbness when touched and interfere with the ability to speak if it gets near your mouth, causing you to temporarily become mute, or “dumb.”.
How to water a plant without water running over it?
Place the plant in the container so that the top of the root ball is about an inch below the top of the container, so you can water the plant without the water running over the pot. Fill in around the root ball with more potting mix. Thoroughly water the plant and let it drain before putting it in its chosen spot.
Can dieffenbachias grow in shade?
It can tolerate low light, but its growth will slow dramatically. Given more light, it will quickly begin to grow again. Gardeners living in zones 11 and 12 can grow dieffenbachia outdoors in partial shade, where it makes a great landscape plant.
Does dieffenbachia have leaves?
There are a variety of cultivars available, most with variegated white and green, cream and green, or all-green leaves that can be speckled, splotched, or loosely striped. Primarily grown for foliage, dieffenbachia rarely flowers, but when it does, the bloom looks a bit like a peace lily.
What to do if your dumbcane dieffenbachia leaves are bleached?
If other leaves appear bleached, with a webby substance on the underside, check and treat the plant for spider mites with insecticidal soap spray or neem oil. Don’t use chemicals for this issue on the growing dumbcane dieffenbachia, as it often makes the problem worse.
When is the best time to filter light for dieffenbachia?
Filtered light is particularly important in the spring and summer, when the dieffenbachia houseplant is producing new, tender leaves that are subject to sunburn if the light is too bright or shines directly on the plant.
What are the problems with dumbcane dieffenbachia?
Problems with dieffenbachia plant can be easily overcome in most situations. The most common problem with growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is too much moisture. Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants and the dieffenbachia houseplant is no exception.
Why does my dumbcane plant drip water?
If you notice water droplets on the dumbcane plant, you may wonder, “Why does my dieffenbachia plant drip water?” This is the byproduct of the transpiration process, which is active in most plants.
Can dieffenbachia be grown in filtered light?
Other problems with dieffenbachia plant may be created by improper lighting. When growing dieffenbachia, most varieties do best in a filter ed light situation, where bright to moderate light shines through a sheer curtain or other filtering window cover.
Can a dumbcane plant cause suffocation?
While this is usually not serious, it can cause suffocation.
Do dumbcane dieffenbachias need light?
Some dieffenbachia plants require low filtered light. Most cultivars do fine with a low light environment, however, growth is slower or stops, but the plant will remain healthy and attractive. When growing dumbcane dieffenbachia, fertilize twice a month to encourage growth and a healthy plant.
How to get new growth from Dieffenbachia?
Propagation. There are three ways in which you can get new growth from your existing Dieffenbachia plant. These include air layering, stem cutting and suckers. The most commonly used method, stem cuttings involves snipping the ends off of your plant and placing them in water.
What is the habitat of the Dieffenbachia plant?
Considering the natural habitat of the Dieffenbachia plant, you can imagine these individuals being surrounded by expansive trees with large leaves. Dumb Cane in the wild inhabits forests that have lower light.
Why are my cane leaves turning brown?
Cause: Some Dumb Cane plant owners try to give their plants a routine amount of water so as to not overwater. Depending on the method they use, the tips of the leaves may take on a brown hue. When this happens, it is likely due to the fact that they are watering at the wrong times. Environmental factors often can change the regularity of watering.
What are some common mistakes made by Dieffenbachia plants?
One of the most common mistakes made with a Dieffenbachia plant is that people tend to overwater. This plant is among one of the easier tropical houseplants to care for, yet it needs to have a consistent watering regimen.
How to keep a dumb cane happy?
You can keep your Dumb Cane happy and healthy through a routine misting on top of the occasional watering.
What temperature do dumb canes live in?
Temperature. Being a well-sought after houseplant, the Dumb Cane can thrive in the average room temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can even live when placed in a room that is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants do not fare well with temperatures that reach below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you grow a dumb cane in a pot?
One easy aspect to the Dumb Cane is that it can grow in just about any type of soil. Keep in mind that they do like to be placed in soil that is both moist and properly drained. Using a typical houseplant potting mix is sufficient. When in doubt, simply mix 1 part of perlite to two parts of peat moss.
What Soil Works Best for Dieffenbachia Plants?
You don’t need a unique, expensive potting mix or overly elaborate plant food. Just give it some high-quality potting soil mix.
How Often Should You Repot Dieffenbachia Plants?
Since they can grow a lot, Dieffenbachia plants need repotting every one to two years. It is best to repot your plant during the springtime. Choose a pot that is a few inches larger than the previous pot.
What Size Does Dieffenbachia Plants Grow to Typically?
Dieffenbachia plants tend to grow between three and five feet tall indoors. They do not grow super fast. But given a lot of sunlight, they will grow more quickly.
Are Dieffenbachia Plants Toxic?
Dieffenbachia plants contain calcium oxalate, which is toxic when ingested. Keep these plants away from small children and pets. To be safe, always wear gloves when pruning or handling the plant. Treat it as a decorative plant—and not a plant that your cat should be playing within your home.
Do Dieffenbachia Plants Enjoy Humidity?
Yes, Dieffenbachia plants enjoy humidity. That is because they originate from humid, tropical environments. It might be a smart investment to place a humidifier with your Dieffenbachia plant in the room. Creating an appropriate environment that simulates the tropics can do the plant well.
How to propagate Dieffenbachia?
You can propagate Dieffenbachia through stem cuttings. Using a pair of clean shears, cut off a piece of stem a quarter-inch below a node (where leaves meet the stem) on a stem that has at least a few leaves growing on it already.
Why is the Dieffenbachia called dumb cane?
Dieffenbachia is nicknamed dumb cane because it has a toxic sap that will cause loss of speech temporarily if ingested.
What is a dumb cane plant?
Dieffenbachia, also commonly referred to as dumb cane or dumb cane plant, is a genus of houseplants known for being very easy to care for. In this post, I’ll review Dieffenbachia care as well as propagating Dieffenbachia.
How to grow a sage plant in water?
Place the cutting in water so the node is under the water, and put it in medium to bright indirect light. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can plant it into potting mix.
Is Dieffenbachia the same as Aglaonemas?
But hopefully, this post will change your mind if you’re one of these people! Dieffenbachia is also common ly confused with Aglaonemas, but they’re not the same.
Is Dieffenbachia toxic to pets?
Dieffenbachia is toxic to animals and humans, so keep this plant out of your furry friends’ reach or opt to skip this plant altogether. Note that even if a plant is non-toxic, it’s best practice to keep it out of your pets’ reach. Filed Under: Plant Care & Propagation. Reader Interactions. Leave a Reply Cancel reply.
Can you mist Dieffenbachia?
Yes! As Dieffenbachia are native to tropical regions, they like extra humidity in their environment. You can mist them daily to every few days depending on your home’s humidity level. You can also use other methods to provide humidity such as a pebble tray or humidifier. I review more methods, step-by-step, in my guide to creating humidity for houseplants.
How to propagate dieffenbachias?
It's also an excellent method for saving leggy dieffenbachias. Cut off a stem section with at least one node. Place the cutting in water and wait for roots to emerge. Once they appear, plant the cutting in soil.
What is a dieffenbachia plant?
The tropical plant features pointed ovate leaves in various combinations of green, cream, and white variegation. The dieffenbachia genus includes over a hundred beautiful perennials. Here are the dieffenbachia varieties you'll see at your local nursery, plus nine popular cultivars and basic toxicity facts and care tips for keeping your plants looking their best.
How tall does a dieffenbachia grow?
In its natural habitat, dieffenbachia can reach 10 feet, with leaves 20 inches long. Indoors, the plants usually grow to 3 to 5 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Consider these growing tips to help keep your dieffenbachia thriving.
What are the pests that can be found on Dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia is susceptible to most classic houseplant pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. The best way to prevent an infestation is to inspect the foliage weekly. Once you spot a culprit, treat the plant immediately to avoid spreading to parts of the plant.
How to divide a plant in spring?
When you repot it in the spring, separate the offsets from the parent plant. Use a clean, sharp knife to slice the offset off the main plant, making sure it has roots attached. Then, plant it into another pot.
Do dieffenbachias need indirect light?
Most dieffenbachia varieties do best in bright, indirect light. Because the foliage has variegation, they will need to receive enough light to keep it. "Keep it in a west, east, or south-facing window," says Plants.com. "But dieffenbachia can tolerate low-light spots and can do well in filtered light as well." However, if your dieffenbachia stays in a low-light environment, its leaves will revert to all green.
Is dieffenbachia a houseplant?
Dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant due to its exciting foliage variegation, showy stature, and ease of care. "Like many of its houseplant cousins, dieffenbachia is an easy-care houseplant and easy to find," says a Plants.com expert. "Yet probably the biggest reason for its popularity is its showy leaves."
