In indoor cultivation, however, the plant rarely gets this large. But, like any houseplant, a dumb cane will definitely benefit from a being fed. Water regularly. Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems. It’s very common for dumb canes to get tall and leggy with age, this is their normal growth habit. If you want to learn how to root a dieffenbachia plant, see the details in the section called “Dieffenbachia Propagation Methods”. Dumb cane plants need a well-aerated soil that retains a little moisture but also drains fast. This was my sisters that passed, plant the plant is at lest 25 yrs old. If you notice webbing on the leaves or leaf joints, those are spider mites. It could just be that it has outgrown it’s pot, and is ready for a new one. Make sure to water your plant after pruning and keep away any discarded leaves from pets and kids. And because some dumb cane cultivars better thrive in low filtered light, do check your cultivar’s light requirements. The dieffenbachia can reach heights up to 6 feet with foliage blades as long as 18 inches and can easily exceed these averages in ideal environments. To avoid the plant’s one side growing towards the light, you should rotate it periodically so that each side of the plant gets light. I use a mixture of 1 tsp mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water. The most frustrating part of dieffenbachia care is when your plant is sick and you don’t know why. See my “Dieffenbachia Pruning Tips” above to learn how to cut back a dieffenbachia. Feeding also encourages flowers. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) leaves most commonly turn yellow due to overwatering, but other causes include lighting problems, temperature extremes, low humidity, pests or nutrient deficiency. Any general purpose potting soil will work just fine. Then allow the excess to drain from the pot before putting it back on the plant tray. Over-feeding with synthetic fertilizers is a very common problem with dieffenbachia plants, and can lead to brown leaf edges and tips, among other issues. Luckily I caught it before the leaves began to dry out and fall off, and it perked right back up the next day! If you’re up for the task of growing this plant, I hope the thing I covered in this guide will help you grow healthy plants. Only feed your plant in the spring or summer (during their active growing season). Your email address will not be published. The name “dumb cane” comes from the fact that the plant’s leaves contain raphides, which can poison you and leave you unable to speak for a period of time. Your email address will not be published. Place the stems into a vase of fresh room-temperature water. All-purpose potting soil is not a good option unless you mix it up with perlite or coarse sand to add aeration. And be sure to use a fast draining soilless mix for rooting cuttings, rather than regular potting soil. If you would like to order a self-watering pot, check out our range of Lechuza pots here. The number one cause of dieffenbachia houseplant death is overwatering!! Insects So, if you really want to see if you can get your dumb cane to bloom, then be sure to feed it. Dumb cane are perfect low light houseplants because they actually don’t like it when they get too much light, especially direct sunlight. So you can use whichever name you prefer (and I will be using these two names interchangeably throughout this post). So, if you have pets or small children around, then it’s best to treat dumb cane as you would any of your other poisonous houseplants, and keep it out of reach. You can’t just stick it in a dark corner, pour a glass of water in the pot once and a while, maybe toss in some fertilizer if you think of it, and then expect it to stay healthy for long. Dieffenbachia care may seem a bit overwhelming at first. They go into a dormant state during winter, so it’s best to let them rest. Dumb cane is also known as dumb cane plant, and it’s a beautifully variegated plant that’s popular in home cultivation due to its impressive foliage and relatively easy care. Why are the leaves on my dieffenbachia turning yellow? However, some varieties are extremely sensitive, and an inexperienced gardener may inadvertently shorten the plant’s lifespan. You can even keep the top and root the stem to grow yourself a new plant (learn how to propagate dieffenbachia in the section below). 60% soil mixed in with 20% compost and 20% perlite or pumice or coarse sand. Water the dumb cane plant well and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering yet again. Its leaves are deep green with lime green variegation. The dumb cane does need a bit more water than the pothos, snake, and ZZ plants. Humidity. This is a large dumb cane variety that can grow to 2-5 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. In the summer, lawn and garden watering can increase the demand for water by more than 50%. He grew, but each week as watering day came closer, his leaves would be wilted, he was so thirsty. Dumb cane is a really weird name for a plant, right? In the winter you can forego feeding the plant, stick to fertilizing it only during the growing seasons. Dumb cane plants are elegant, but they come with a warning — they’re poisonous, so make sure to take all necessary precautions to keep this plant away from children and pets. In fact, repotting a plant just for the sake of aesthetics, or simply because you feel it should be part of your regular dieffenbachia care routine are the wrong reasons. Dieffenbachia Care Instructions – Also known as Dumb Cane Plant. Required fields are marked *. Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) Dieffenbachia Care . I love being surrounded by plants all year round, and that’s one reason why I have a large collection of houseplants. The good news is that, no matter which type you have, dieffenbachia care is the same for all! Dumb Cane Plant Watering Guide. Yes, they love being outside during the summer. Variegated dieffenbachia are even more stunning, and some have bright green or almost white leaves with dark edges. WATERING NEEDS | Do not overwater as plant roots will rot. Personally, I’ve had the best success using my propagation box for rooting dumb cane cuttings. But, usually you’ll find the best selection of houseplants during the fall and winter months. Plus, you can take the cutting and root it to make a new plant! If grown outdoors, the dumb cane plant can reach 5 feet and leaves can become larger than a foot. Plant the dumbcane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Like many indoor houseplants (with the exception of most Calathea Varieties), the easiest way to water your Dieffenbachia, and keep it happy in the process, is the soak and leave method. If you are able to provide bright, indirect light, you will see your Dieffenbachia ’s mottling and vibrant markings proliferate. Dumb Cane Plant. And the word “dumb” is an old slang term that was used to describe someone who can’t talk (it’s mean, I know!). Allowing the top 1” to 2” (2.5 – 5 cm) of soil to dry prevents overwatering the plant. Or if it’s in a 10″ pot, put it into a 12″ or 14″ pot. Watering: For the best results, keep the dumb cane plant's top inch of soil moist at all times. New leaves will grow just below the place you made the cut. These plants prefer to be placed in soil that is moist but not soggy or overwatered. See to the “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” section above for more details. Though they originate from the tropics, they make excellent houseplants because they can easily adapt to growing indoors. Ensure moisture and warmth and expect the plant to root in 2-4 weeks. Check it every few weeks by sticking your finger about 1″ into the soil. Yes, the ASPCA website warns that dumb canes are toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Be advised, however, that the plant’s sap is toxic, so wear a pair of gloves and a long-sleeve shirt to avoid any skin irritations upon contact with the sap. When dieffenbachias grow thin and leggy like you describe, that means they aren’t getting enough light. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) care is easy when you know exactly what to do. I just assumed he wasn’t quite a desert lover. If the infestation is serious and insecticide will help solve the issue, otherwise washing the leaves with a little soapy water can also fix the issues of pests. Another great thing about easy-to-grow indoor plants like dumb cane is that they can grow just fine without fertilizer. You can also subscribe without commenting. Feeding the plant every two weeks with a high-quality liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Watering Reminders; Ask Judy; Glossary; Posts; Dieffenbachia Plant. What am I doing wrong? Its variegated leaves are bright green with yellow. Rooting in Water. Repotting a Dumb Cane. I’ve also heard of people successfully rooting dieffenbachia in water, though I’ve never tried it myself. Dieffenbachia compacta. Before watering your dumb cane, make sure the top inch of soil is dried out. The many varieties of dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) with their large -- often variegated -- leaves make attractive, hardy houseplants. Dumb cane houseplants aren’t super fussy about the type of soil they’re grown in. Keep these plants away from windowsills and make sure they get filtered light either through a curtain or a window shade. ec.gc.ca. I also recommend waiting until early spring to repot it, but only if it really needs it. For example, if you’re growing dieffenbachia in a 4″ pot, then choose a 6″ pot. I’ll also show you exactly how to care for a dumb cane plant. The flowers ... As for watering, we recommend to water your dumb cane thoroughly and allow the soil to thoroughly “approach dryness” between waterings. Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia houseplant care also includes providing the plant with the appropriate soil. As you’ll see below, almost all problems you’ll have with growing dieffenbachia are caused by either incorrect watering (usually overwatering) or over-fertilizing. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch down before watering the dieffenbachia plant. They can be small table plants or 5ft-6ft. Never use chemical pesticides on indoor plant bugs because they can build up a resistance to chemicals, making problem even worse. To be sure, simply slide the plant out of the pot and take a look at the roots. If you can’t give them enough natural light, you could always add a grow light. The dieffenbachia, or dumbcane, is a vigorously growing, tropical evergreen plant that is often found in the indoor environment. It’s no mystery why dumb cane plants are one of the most common houseplants you see for sale at garden centers and big box stores. I’ve created this website to help beginners care for their plants. If you keep it healthy by watering well, repotting, fertilizing, and dusting as needed, it should be well on its way to withstanding any potential problems. Popularly known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia is a no-fuss plant. This will give the leaves a more rubbery texture which will better survive the handling process. The stem will grow new leaves right below the cut. You can also prune brown leaf tips and edges as necessary, following the natural shape of the leaf. Since they are very common indoor plants, you should be able to find dieffenbachia plants for sale at your local garden center any time of the year. Make sure not to damage the root system of either plant when dividing. Simply cut them back all the way down to the main stem. Here are my tips for how to prune dieffenbachia…. Dumb Cane Soil Requirements. So it can be a difficult balance to give them the perfect amount of light in order to get them to bloom. Watering dieffenbachia. I mentioned in this article that some dumb canes have lower light requirements, but there may also be differences in temperature tolerability, so make sure to check growing conditions applicable for each of the varieties you choose. Of course, you can find dieffenbachia for sale online any time during the year. Each plant may vary from pictures shown as plants are hand selected based on season, size, health, and readiness. Make sure soil is almost completely dry before thoroughly watering again. WATERING YOUR DUMB CANE PLANT THE RIGHT WAY. Potting soil has the propensity to become compacted and strangle the roots, so it shouldn’t be used on its own. In the Self Watering Container, the top layer of soil will eventually become extremely dry and hard, and may even pull away from the edges of the pot. Common dieffenbachia plant types or names you may come across are seguine, compacta, maculata, golden sunset, camilla (aka camille), amoena plant. Before watering your dumb cane, make sure the top inch of soil is dried out. See “Are Dieffenbachia Plants Poisonous?” above for more information. The dumb cane got the name because there is a chemical in the sap that can cause temporary loss of speech if any part of the plant is chewed or eaten. Proper watering is a crucial part of dieffenbachia care, and consistent overwatering will definitely kill your plant. Curling leaves on Dumb Cane Plants can have several different causes. Do not keep it in either the shade or in direct sunlight. The second propagation method is through air layering, which involves removing the bark in a ring around the stem of the plant and wrapping wet moss around the cut and securing it with a plastic wrap. Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants and the dieffenbachia houseplant is no exception. Dumb cane is an easily recognizable houseplant that’s relatively adaptable, but for best results, you should offer the plant ideal growing conditions. So if you choose to grow this plant, then be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Just be sure to keep them out of the window so they don’t accidentally get too much sun. We recommend giving your Dumb Cane plant a shower and replacing the soil immediately. I like using compost fertilizer, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea bags and brew your own. Required fields are marked *. Make sure that you avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, particularly in the spring and summer when the new leaves the plant produces can get scorched by the sun. If these plants are not neglected and their growing conditions are optimal, they can live for many years. The key is to keep the soil moist but never soggy, and give the cutting lots of humidity. Propagation of this plant is possible at any time of year and there are several methods you can apply to propagate dumb cane. Rooting dieffenbachia cuttings can be a bit tricky. Well, there’s a reason for that funny name! And never repot a sick or ailing plant to try to save it. Dumb canes need less water in winter, and plants in lower-light conditions may also need less water overall. Featuring showy leaves deeply variegated in their center with cream or yellow, dumb cane is a plant that’s easy to grow in your home. The list under “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” will give you more ideas and details about fixing common dieffenbachia plant care problems. Is the dieffenbachia dumb cane plant poisonous? Dieffenbachia is a rather east plant to grow indoors, but the best results require the right lighting, fairly high humidity, and the right watering schedule. Other organic fertilizers that I like using are this houseplant fertilizer or a general purpose plant food. Watering Dieffenbachia indoors is somewhat of an art form. Share your dieffenbachia care tips in the comments section below. New leaves will grow from the stump. You can also exchange perlite for coarse sand. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my referral links. Spray the leaves on a regular basis with calcium-free … A variety of different dumb cane (dieffenbachia) types. Dumb cane thrives in well-drained soil. If your dieffenbachia stems froze, but the tops are still healthy, then you can take cuttings right above the damaged area and try rooting them. Read More... My dieffenbachia has performed well for years but now it is droopy and new leaves take a long time to unfurl. Watering makes the leaves stiffen. Is that ok for a dormant so called plant? In spring and summer. My stems are thin and growing like an ivy. Read the section above titled “Dieffenbachia Pruning Tips” to learn more about that. Plant your dumb cane in standard houseplant potting mix. A soapy water spray is also very good for controlling most types of bugs. If you want to try rooting your cuttings this way, make sure the stem is several inches long. It will allow you monitor the moisture level, and help ensure you’re watering your plant at the right time. Beautiful large dieffenbachia floor plants. They could even be grown in your shade garden if you live in a warm climate. If it no longer feels damp, then it’s time to water. Then it’s probably time for a bigger pot. See more ideas about indoor plants, house plants indoor, dumb cane plant. You can move your dieffenbachia outdoors during the summer, and they will flourish. I recommend this recipe if you don’t want to buy ready-made dumb cane potting soil and you want to create your own potting mix: 1 part perlite, 1 part all-purpose soil, 1 part peat or humus. Possibly the most popular cultivar thanks to its adaptability to lower light conditions, the Camille has beautifully variegated leaves that create a contrast between the dark green edges of the leaves and the silvery white middle. In this post, I’ll give you lots of information about the plant – including the name, different dieffenbachia types, toxicity, common problems, and FAQs. According to the ASPCA website, dieffenbachia is toxic to cats and dogs. Add green plant liquid fertilizer every 8 to 15 days during the growing phase. It produces large, thick leaves that are often variegated with stripes or spots. Alternatively, it may be due to a pest infestation, most commonly spider mites. They need the perfect growing conditions in order to flower, and it can be difficult to get it just right in the average home. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for after reading through the post and these FAQs, then ask your question in the comments below, and I’ll answer it as soon as I can. Pruning is an important part of dieffenbachia care, it helps keep the plant tidy, grow bushier, and look healthier. It’s a perennial plant and most cultivars have white speckles on the leaves, though not all cultivars have this feature. Of course always adjust according to the season and to the needs of your own Dumb Cane, for example expect in very warm months to water more often and in Winter less regularly. Simply lift the plant from the pot, knock down any soil to reveal the roots and clean them down of any dead material. Some of these diseases are easily prevented by never allowing the plant to stay in soggy soil and allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. how to get rid of houseplant bugs naturally here, How To Grow Spider Plants: The Ultimate Care Guide, How To Take Care Of A Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica), How To Care For A Pothos Plant (Devil’s Ivy), 17 Of The Best Office Plants For Your Workspace, 15 Easy Indoor Plants That Anyone Can Grow, How To Fertilize Houseplants: The Ultimate Guide, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. I’m not an overwaterer. Move it to a spot where it gets bright, indirect sunlight, or add a grow light. A Dieffenbachia plant or Dumb Cane plant, native to the tropics of Mexico and all the way south to Argentina, are relatively easy-care houseplants with large, broad, patterned, oblong leaves. Gorgeous dieffenbachia indoor plant with bright green leaves. So keep that in mind as you troubleshoot your plants symptoms…. If the leaves are starting to droop, act a bit quicker next time! If left unpruned, the plant will resemble a palm tree. The name Dumb Cane refers to the toxicity of its sap -- if ingested, it will burn your mouth, numb your throat, and possibly paralyze the vocal cords, not a dumb houseplant! Regular but moderate watering is called for. When dieffenbachia leaves don’t unfurl, it could be caused by a few things. Both! Yes, but it’s not very common for a dumb cane houseplant to bloom indoors. ec.gc.ca. Mealybugs look like white cotton on the plant, and thrips are tiny bugs with arrow shaped black bodies. If very little soil is left, or the roots are circling around the bottom of the container, then it’s time to repot it. Diseases that can affect the plant include stem and root rot, leaf spot disease, erwinia blight, petiole rot, etc. Rather than watering your plant on a set schedule, you should always check the soil to figure out when it needs water. As many houseplants, the dumb cane plant can be prone to pests and other diseases, but nothing that can’t be prevented with a good watering regimen and attention to signs of diseases and pests.