where do you put dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Plant Care & Growing Guide

Full Answer

How do you take care of Dieffenbachia?

Dieffenbachia grows best with soil that’s not overly moist. Hold off on watering the plant until the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then water thoroughly at the base of the plant. Droopy leaves are usually a sign that the plant needs to be watered. How to Feed Dieffenbachia

What is a Dieffenbachia?

The Dieffenbachia is a plant that requires very little attention and actually thrives when you forget to water it for a few days. It's quite a forgiving plant, which makes it great for the beginning plant owners.

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 to grow Dieffenbachia from cuttings?

How to Propagate Dieffenbachia Plants. Just make sure to keep the stems right side up, as the roots will only grow if you stick the right end of the stem in the rooting medium. Fill a planter with sand, sphagnum moss or another rooting medium. Moisten the entire contents and let it drain before planting the cuttings.

Where should I put dieffenbachia in my house?

This plant will thrive in a spot that receives bright ambient light, but direct sun will scorch the leaves. In an office space, the Dieffenbachia can adapt to fluorescent lighting, though it may take some time to adjust.

Does dieffenbachia like sun or shade?

Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant that grows well indoors in lots of indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but its growth will slow dramatically. Given more light, it will quickly begin to grow again.

How do you care for an indoor dieffenbachia plant?

Plant the dumbcane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch (2.5 cm.) down before watering the dieffenbachia plant. Other problems with dieffenbachia plant may be created by improper lighting.

Is dieffenbachia a good indoor plant?

Dieffenbachia plants are great for improving indoor air quality because the large leaves are highly efficient at filtering out pollutants. However, be aware that this beautiful houseplant can be toxic for people and pets alike.

How often should I water a dieffenbachia?

once every two weeksThe 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why is my dieffenbachia dying?

The most likely reason the leaves on your dieffenbachia plant are turning yellow is overwatering or underwatering. However, yellow leaves can also indicate environmental issues like a lack of sunlight, humidity, or temperature. Dieffenbachia plants like bright, warm, and humid areas away from direct sunlight.

Is dieffenbachia good for bedroom?

Dumb Canes (Dieffenbachia) These easy-to-grow houseplants have green leaves with creamy or yellowish blotches. Because dumb canes grow upright, they are excellent for placing at an empty bedroom wall or in a shady corner. The bright leaves add texture and color to any room without the need for flowers.

Does dieffenbachia purify air?

Dieffenbachia – Dieffenbachia, or Dumb Cane, is a stunning houseplant that requires light and well-drained soil. This plant's foliage helps remove toxins from the air, including xylene, to offer you and your family members clean breathing air in your home.

What does dieffenbachia symbolize?

Symbolism. Dieffenbachia has no clear symbolic meaning. But we can tell you that according to folk tradition in Brazil the plant protects against negative energy. That's probably because of all that lovely fresh oxygen.

How much sunlight does a dieffenbachia need?

Planting and Care Dieffenbachia prefers diffused sunlight or partial shade, but will tolerate full shade, which is why it is well-suited as a houseplant. It thrives in temperatures between 60 and 75°F. Your dieffenbachia should be watered regularly, with soil being allowed to dry between waterings.

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 is my dieffenbachia getting yellow leaves?

Why Are Your Dieffenbachia Leaves 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.

Can I put my dieffenbachia outside?

Can Dieffenbachia Grow Outside? Yes, they love being outside during the summer. They could even be grown in your shade garden if you live in a warm climate. You can move your dieffenbachia outdoors during the summer, and they will flourish.

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

Where do Dieffenbachia come from?

You can learn a lot about plant care if you consider where it comes from. Dieffenbachiahail from the equatorial new world – Mexico, the West Indies, and as far south as Argentina.

What kind of light do Dieffenbachia need?

Like many hardy, tropical plants, they’re not particularly fussy. Dieffenbachia will tolerate low to medium light, and grow well under grow lights.

Why is Dieffenbachia called Dumbcane?

Dieffenbachia are also known as Dumbcane because feeding the leaves to slaves was a common punishment. It numbs the mouth, rendering the victim speechless, and causes oral irritation, excessive dribbling, and swelling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What kind of light do dieffenbachias need?

So the perfect light exposure for your Dieffenbachia is indirect light or even lowlight situations.

Do you have to water Dieffenbachia?

If you've ever taken care of plants that have wild patterns on its leaves or stems, you'll know that these plants often require a bit more attention than plants that have plain looking leaves. However, this is not always the case. The Dieffenbachia is a plant that requires very little attention and actually thrives when you forget to water it for a few days. It's quite a forgiving plant, which makes it great for the beginning plant owners. It will also tell you very quickly when it's not happy, so you can adjust your plant care in time, before serious harm can be done.

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.

How to root a sphagnum moss plant?

Fill a planter with sand, sphagnum moss, or another rooting medium. Moisten the entire contents and let it drain before planting the cuttings. Moisten the cut end of the cutting or the bottom end of the stem piece and dip it in a spoonful of rooting hormone powder. Tap the cutting gently to remove any excess powder.

How to propagate a dieffenbachia?

The easiest way to propagate your dieffenbachia is by rooting cuttings, either tip cuttings or stem cuttings. Plant these small pieces of greenery in the right medium and they will produce roots and, eventually, an entirely new plant. Use a sharp razor blade to remove parts of the plant to be used for dieffenbachia propagation ...

How long does it take for a dieffenbachia to grow?

Depending on the variety of dieffenbachia plant you own, you should see new roots growing in three to eight weeks.

Why does dieffenbachia burn?

Dieffenbachia is also known as the dumb cane because the stems and leaves contain a chemical that will sting and burn the mouth for weeks if it comes in contact with the tender flesh. It can also cause loss of speech and the sap or juice from the stems can irritate the skin.

How to propagate a bare stem?

If your plant is overgrown and has dropped so many leaves that you have a bare stem, slice this stem into 2 inch (5 cm.) pieces and use these for propagation. Just make sure to keep the stems right side up, as the roots will only grow if you stick the right end of the stem in the rooting medium.

Is Dieffenbachia a houseplant?

Image by Bogdan Kurylo. Dieffenbachia can be an attractive and almost carefree houseplant that adds a tropical statement to almost any room. Once you have a healthy plant growing in your home, you have the potential for an endless supply of new, smaller plants simply by propagating cuttings and clippings from the original parent plant.

Normal Dieffenbachia Growth

Let’s get something clear right off the bat: it’s totally normal for Dieffenbachias to grow into tall plants with most of their leaves clustered at the top. There’s a reason they’re known as Dumb Canes and not Dumb Shrubs.

Sunlight and Growth for Dieffenbachias

In most cases, Dumb Canes that look skinny and sad aren’t getting enough light. You can find tons of care guides online that talk about how Dieffenbachias are excellent shade plants that can survive even in dark parts of your home. What these articles fail to mention is that “surviving” can look very different from “growing large and healthy”.

Positioning and Rotating Your Dumb Cane

It’s not enough to simply pick a bright location for your Dieffenbachia and leave it there. Unless your plant is in a porch or solarium with sunlight streaming in from all sides, it will concentrate its growth on the side of its body that faces the sun.

Fertilize for Fuller Growth

Diet goes hand-in-hand with exercise when it comes to encouraging leafy growth. Dieffenbachias appreciate a healthy amount of fertilizer to provide the nutrients they can’t get from the sun, water, and air.

Pruning Your Dieffenbachia to Keep it Bushy

As we noted at the top, most Dieffenbachias eventually begin to look more like a tree or a stalk of bamboo than a bush – even with precisely the right mix of sun, fertilizer, and gentle motion. Keeping yours full and rounded will most likely require some strategic pruning.

Give Your Dumb Cane Some Space

Another factor that can cause a Dieffenbachia to shed leaves and lose its vigorous appearance is an overcrowded root system. You should repot these plants roughly every 2-3 years, though the exact schedule will depend on how fast it’s growing.

Final Thoughts

You can go a long way toward keeping your Dumb Cane full and bushy by making sure it gets a rich, balanced diet of light and fertilizer. The rest comes down to occasional maintenance practices like pruning and repotting.