Propagation of Dumb Cane Cuttings

The distinctive leaves of the dumb cane.

Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia seguine) is commonly grown as a houseplant in the United States. It has broad bright-green or variegated leaves and grows as a clump of jointed nonbranching stems to a height of 4 feet under optimal conditions. Dumb cane grows best in bright indirect sunlight and temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees F. The soil in the container should be well-drained, as the roots will quickly rot in waterlogged soil. The plant gets the name "dumb cane" from the toxins produced by the sap that are said to cause swelling of the tongue and throat if consumed.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered rooting hormone
• Well-drained planting container
• Soilless potting medium
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the planting mix to root the dumb cane cuttings. Fill a container with drainage holes in the bottom with a soil-less potting medium. A soil-less potting medium is used instead of potting soil because it is well drained, contains a small amount of fertilizer and is sterilized so disease pathogens are killed. It is designed specifically for starting seeds and rooting plants. Soak the potting medium with water and allow to drain.

2. Choose a healthy 2- to 3-year-old cane for propagating. Avoid canes that are mushy, yellow or have wilted or yellow leaves.

3. Slice the cane just below a node that is right above the soil level. A node is the raised area along the cane where the leaves and roots sprout. Each cane has many nodes located along the stem that are clearly visible.

4. Cut off the tender top half of the cane and discard. Also remove any leaves remaining on the bottom half. The leafless and thickest bottom half of the cane is the best part of the cane to use for propagation. The top half is too tender, and the cuttings will dry out before they can form roots.

5. Cut the cane into 3-inch sections that each contain several nodes.

6. Dip the bottom half of each cane section into the powdered rooting hormone and gently push the bottom 1/2 inch of the cane covered with rooting hormone into the soil-less potting medium.

7. Place the cuttings in a bright warm area with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F. Keep the cuttings away from cold or hot drafts. Water the potting medium around the cuttings as often as needed to keep it damp, but not waterlogged, during the rooting process, which takes about 4 weeks.

References

• University of Illinois: Vegetative Propagation of Houseplants
• Purdue University: New Plants from Cuttings