Dieffenbachia (“Dumbcane”)
Long, bold, fancy leaves marked and spotted in green, cream or yellow are reasons enough to grow this popular houseplant. The upright stems can grow to six feet, making a gorgeous specimen with leaves reaching a foot and half long. Don’t eat any, though: the common name of dumbcane is because irritating sap causes painful swelling of the tongue.
Light - Best in high, indirect light; can adapt to less.
Temperature - Warm, at least 60º F
Watering - Allow to dry out a little between waterings; likes extra humidity.
Feeding - Give a light application of fish emulsion twice a month in warm seasons.
Potting Mix - Grows best in all-purpose potting mix in small pots, kept rootbound.
Tips - The bottom leaves tend to drop off with age, making a kind of bare-stemmed tree with leaves only at the top - so to rejuvenate the plant cut down the stem to 6” high.
Written by Graham Rice