How to Care for the Diffenbacchia Plant

Keep Dieffenbaccia near other house plants

Dieffenbaccia is also called “dumb cane” because if you accidentally eat a leaf from the plant your throat will swell up, making it too difficult to speak. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and is mostly used as a dramatic indoor plant. To care for the plant, cut back new growth to keep the plant the size you want and place it in a low traffic area as the leaves are fragile.

Instructions

1. Keep Dieffenbaccia warm. The ideal temperature for this plant is in between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Move Dieffenbaccia into direct sunlight. This plant loves to be in full sunlight for most of the year, so give it the sunniest spot in the house to grow.

3. Keep it moist by misting the plant often. Move other houseplants near the Dieffenbaccia to create more moisture in the air around the plant.

4. Stick your finger into the soil and feel whether the soil is moist. If it is dry, water the plant. If it is moist, wait to water. Do not over-water the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep Dieffenbaccia away from children and pets. Dieffenbaccia is poisonous. Contact your poison control center immediately if someone ingests part of the plant.

References

• University of Florida: Dieffenbaccia
• Ever Growing: Dieffenbaccia