How to Care for Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachias, otherwise known as dumb cane because your throat will swell and you will lose your speech if you eat their foliage, make dramatic houseplants. Their stems of green, white and yellow leaves can grow up to 5 feet tall in the house with good care.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Give dieffenbachia plants consistent light levels throughout the year. Dieffenbachias prefer the bright light with any direct sunlight filtered by a transparent curtain in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, when there is less light available, remove the curtain to allow in the direct sunlight. This will give the plants nearly balanced light at all times.

2. Give dieffenbachias a warm temperature, ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Provide increased humidity around a dieffenbachia. Humidity keeps the plant healthy and can be increased by placing trays of pebbles underneath the plant. Occasional misting with soft water and grouping with other plants also raises the humidity level for this plant.

4. Water dieffenbachias when the potting mix has partially dried. Water when you cannot feel moisture by sticking your finger into the soil.

5. Cut dieffenbachia stems back to about 6 inches tall if you do not like the look of the plant after it drops its lower leaves. The plant will regenerate spikes of growth from the bottom. Resume normal care from this point.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective gloves when working with Dieffenbachias to prevent the sap from getting on your skin and eventually into your mouth. Wash your hands when you are through working with the plant.

• Keep Dieffenbachias away from children and pets. The sap from the plant is highly poisonous if eaten.