How to Care for Dieffenbachia Camille (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia maculata "Camille" is commonly known as dumb cane. Plants have large leaves with whitish centers surrounded by dark or light green. Plants grow up to 4 feet tall with a spread of about 1 to 2 feet. Dumb cane plants are ideal houseplants, but the plant is toxic and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Plant the dumb cane in loose, well-draining houseplant potting soil. If it outgrows its container, repot it in spring. Use a container 1 to 2 inches larger from the current container.

2. Place the plant in a window with bright indirect sunlight during the spring, summer and fall. In winter, place the plant in a location with direct sunlight.

3. Keep the room temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant away from cool drafts.

4. Water the Camille thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Test the soil by sticking your finger in the soil 1 inch deep. If the soil is dry, add water. If the soil is still damp, wait a few days and check again.

5. Fertilize the dumb cane with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half every two to four weeks from March to September. Water the soil thoroughly after adding liquid fertilizer to prevent the roots from burning.

6. Remove yellowing or dead leaves from the plant using scissors. Snip the leaf and stem from the base of the plant.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Dieffenbachia; Karen Russ, et al., March 1999
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Cutural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Dieffenbachia; Jianjun Chen, et al.; March 2003
• Texas A&M University Aggie Horticulture: Dumb Cane