Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is an easy houseplant to grow and adds a lush, tropical look to the room. 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.” Be sure to wear gloves when handling the plant, and keep it away from children and pets.
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.
Light -
Indirect bright light - north/east-facing windows or shaded south- and west-facing ones, or a few feet back from a unshaded south- or west-facing window.
Low Light Tolerant - north/east-facing windows and offices with fluorescent lighting.
When in low light your plant will grow slower. If you want your plant to flourish and grow to its full potential introduce it into indirect bright light and avoid direct sun.
Temperature & Humidity:
Tropical plants do best in a humid and slightly warm environment. They thrive best above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and they love a light misting of water.
If your plant gets too dry, it may begin to develop brown tips on its leaves. In the event that this happens, placing it next to a humidifier will help avoid further damage to the leaves.
If your Diefenbachia gets too cold, it may suffer from shock and may even die. Ensure that you are placing this plant away from any drafty windows or A/C vents that could blow cold air onto your plant.
Water:
Water well. Check every 10-14 days.
ensuring all excess water drains and plant is not sitting in any excess water. (Always recommend pots with drainage holes and saucers)
Allow to dry down at least 2” from the top.
Overwatering - can cause your plant to die, and wilted or soft leaves that have yellowed are often a sign of overwatering. It is preferable to keep your soil slightly moist, letting it dry out in between waterings and if in doubt let it dry out! Many different factors can change your watering schedule.
Sunlight and seasons affect how quickly a plant will drink water and you just adapt to those changes. That’s what makes it fun!