How to Propagate Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia plants can be a challenge to propagate because of their thick cane stems which do not root as easily as many other types of plants. While usual propagation methods may fail on a dieffenbachia, there are other ways to successfully propagate these plants. If you enjoy a gardening challenge or have a strong desire to propagate a favorite dieffenbachia plant, follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Rooting hormone powder

Instructions

1. Cut the top portion of the dieffenbachia cane off. To propagate a dieffenbachia you need the lower portions of the cane. It is important to wear rubber gloves while cutting the cane because dieffenbachia sap can be poisonous.

2. Remove a section of the cane with a leaf bud. You may chop the cane into as many pieces as you wish to create as many new stems as you want. Attempt to propagate several pieces of stem simultaneously to ensure at least one successful propogation.

3. Fill a 4-inch pot with a mixture of half peat moss and half coarse sand or perlite.

4. Spread rooting hormone powder along the side of the stem containing the leaf bud. The rooting hormone powder encourages root growth and discourages rot.

5. Place the section of the stem into the pot horizontally so that the leaf bud is touching the soil. Press it lightly into the potting mix so that the bottom half of the cane is covered with potting mix.

6. Water the pot well and enclose the entire pot in a clear plastic bag or cover it with a clear plastic sheet. Place it in a warm place and add water if the potting mix dries out.

7. Watch for a stem to emerge from the dieffenbachia cane cutting, 1 to 2 months out. This is a sign of successful propagation. When growth appears, remove the plastic and treat the cutting as a new, mature plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Dieffenbachia sap can be poisonous if ingested. Use caution when you propagate a dieffenbachia.