You would invariably find Dieffenbachia in many houses and offices because it is an easy to grow indoor plant. An ornamental tropical perennial plant, Dieffenbachia is also known as Dumb Cane because of its toxic properties. It became quite popular during the Victorian era.
Dieffenbachia can thrive in any room of your house, irrespective of the usage, décor, and style. (Source: Shutterstock)
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What Is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Plant?
Flaunting large and showy patterns that showcase various combinations of green, cream, and white colours, Dumb Cane leaves are pointed and ovate. The distinctive leaf patterns carry irregular areas of splotches, with lighter green, yellow or cream colours.
A fast-growing houseplant, it can grow up to 10 feet in height, while its leaves can be 3 to 5 inch in width. The leaves have the potential to grow up to 20 inch in width outside.
Dieffenbachia plant’s leaves are large, and oval that are attractively marked with dark green at edges, fading to white in centre. (Source: Shutterstock)
Dieffenbachia: Key facts
| Botanical name: Dieffenbachia
Common name: Dieffenbachia, Dumb Cane, Leopard Lily Type: Perennial Family: Araceae Soil: Well-drained Sun: Filtered exposure Water: Moderate Native area: South America, Caribbean Toxicity: Humans, pets |
Different types of Dieffenbachia
Amonea
Aurora
Dieffenbachia Camille
Dieffenbachia Camouflage
Dieffenbachia daguensis
Delilah
Tropical tiki
Tropic Snow
Tropic Marianne
Seguine
Carina
Compacta
Mary
Honeydew
Snow
Sarah
Sparkle
Star Bright
White Etna
Puerto Rico Variegated
Tropic Rain
Pather
Triumph
Rebecca
How to take care of your plant?
Mostly an easy to grow plant, Dumb Cane requires the flowing care:
Soil
You need well-drained and well-aerated soil to plant Dumb Cane plants.
Sunlight
It only requires filtered light. Excessive or direct sunlight during the growing, summer and spring seasons would result in sunburnt leaves. Although, it does require more sun exposure during the winter months.
Watering
Excessive moisture due to overwatering is not good for your Dumb Cane plant, which is generally quite hard. Apart from using only well-drained soil to plant your Dumb Cane, make sure you water it occasionally. Check the soil to ensure it is dry to at least 2.5 inch deep before you water it. Further, make sure each side of your plant gets sufficient sunlight. For this, you will have to keep rotating the plant at regular intervals.
Fertiliser
Add a mix of fertilizers to your plant once in every four to six months for better growth and development.
Problems with Dieffenbachia
Brown leaves
Blenched leaves
Spider mites
Dumb Cane: Toxicity
Dump Cane contains calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves, stems and roots. Consequently, this plant is highly toxic for both humans and animals. If any part of the plant is consumed, it could result into temporary swelling of tongue and throat. This could also lead to a temporary loss of speech. It can also cause breathing difficulties. Chewing of the plant may cause drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and even death among pets.
Does a Dieffenbachia flower?
Dieffenbachia does bloom, but it is quite rarer in case of indoors plants.
Can Dieffenbachia grow outside?
Yes, Dieffenbachia can grow outside.
FAQs
Is Dieffenbachia toxic?
Yes, Dieffenbachia is highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The plant is known to contain toxins that can inhibit speech.
Why is Dieffenbachia named as Dumb Cane?
Dieffenbachia is named as Dumb Cane because chewing any part of the plant can make one’s tongue swell, and cause speechlessness in adults. It can sometimes kill children and animals.
What is the ideal location to place the Dumb Cane plant?
The ideal location for a Dumb Cane plant is spots away from direct sunlight.
