Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
About Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) is a popular indoor plant with eye-catching, vibrant foliage. The plant comes in many variegated color combinations, including green and yellow leaves and varieties with white or cream-colored markings. Dumb Cane is also an excellent air-cleaning plant.
In ideal conditions, dieffenbachia can grow five feet tall indoors with three-foot-long leaves. In addition to the common name of dumb cane, the plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. Dieffenbachia earned these nicknames from the fact that the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in its sap. The sap has fiberglass-like particles that cut a person or animal’s tongue and throat. Eating the foliage can even strike someone dumb (unable to speak).
Origin Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is native to South America and the Caribbean. The plant is an herbaceous member of the arum family (Araceae).
Lighting Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia requires medium light. Such lighting leads to abundant, healthy, vibrant foliage. Dumb Cane will grow in medium-low light, but will grow more slowly. In lower light, the leaves may lose variegation and become a deep green.
Watering Dieffenbachia
Avoid overwatering dieffenbachia, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Water when the top inch of soil has dried. If you aren’t sure if the plant requires watering, wait a day or two. Always water with warm water. Cold water on dieffenbachia roots will lead to plant shock and root dieback. Never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water.
Fertilizing Dieffenbachia
Fertilize dieffenbachia every two months from spring through fall with an organic fertilizer. Avoid overfertilizing dumb cane, as that can lead to fertilizer burn and root dieback.
Repotting Dieffenbachia
Repot dieffenbachia when there is more than two-thirds root to one-third soil in the pot. Avoid overpotting dieffenbachia, which will lead to too much wet soil and root rot. Depending on how quickly the plant is growing, dieffenbachia will require repotting every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is susceptible to brown leaf tips, which can be caused by low humidity. The ideal humidity for dumb cane is 50-60 percent. Boost humidity by misting, growing on a humidity tray and grouping plants. If your air is very dry, consider using a humidifier.
Temperature Dieffenbachia
Because dieffenbachia is from tropical locales, the plant doesn’t tolerate low temperatures. Avoid growing in lower than 60 degrees F.
Pruning Dieffenbachia
Mature dieffenbachia plants can become unwieldly. If this occurs, cut back to a leaf joint, which will shorten the plant and encourage bushier growth. If you don’t wish to prune back, dieffenbachia can also be staked.
Propagating Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia can be rooted in water, but the best way to propagate the plant is with rooting hormone in a rooting medium.
Pests Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia plants are susceptible to mealybugs and scale. Treat both pests by spraying with neem oil. Mealybugs can also be killed by spraying with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Ailing dumb cane plants are more likely to attract pests. Keep your dieffenbachia healthy, and it will ward off pests.