How to Care For the Dumb Cane Plant

This is a popular plant that is also refereed to as the 'Dieffenbachia'. Caring for this plant, and maintaining its beautiful lustful color is easy as 1,2,3.

Instructions

1. This is a very popular foliage plant, that can be used in a formal and non-formal setting. The name "Dumb Cane" was created due to the contents of what the plant is made of. It has potent irritants called calcium oxalate crystals. These are poisonous to cats, and can cause a human to suffocate. Now that you understand what that plant is, lets learn how to take care of it.

2. Lighting:
   It is best to place this plant in an area where there is an even amount of light. So that the entire plant will receives the light. The plant should be turned once a week to promote even growth.

   Temperature:
   This is a plant that does not like it to hot, nor does it like it too cold. This is almost a fool proof plant. Maintain the temperature in a 70-80 degree temperature, which is an average room temp.

3. Watering:
   You want to keep the soil moist, but never to moist. You do not want to drown your plant with over watering it.

   Growth:
   The plant should be repotted every other year, around spring. Any type of soil will work with this type of house plant. This plant has an average life span of anywhere between 3-15 years. As long as it is maintained correctly. It is best to trim your dieffenbachia once it gets to tall.

4. Problem Shooting:

   Problem: Treatment:
   Drooping leaves - Needs more water soil is dry
   Browning tips - Not watering enough.
   Non-yellow leaf fall - Plant is cold, move plant
   Not Growing - Move to light area, feed plant food
   White stuff on leaf - Mealy bugs, clean off with q-tips
   dipped in alcohol
   Webs on leaves - Spider mites, conceal
   plant,purchace mites that eat spider mites