How to Grow and Care for Dumb canes

The focal point of a dieffenbachia is the beautiful look and patterns of the foliage, which are often variegated. This plant has showy white blooms, but only flowers in perfect conditions. Use caution, because the dieffenbachia is poisonous; if the sap is ingested it can cause muteness for up to two weeks by numbing the throat and vocal cords.

Dieffenbachia oerstedii is often grown as a houseplant and is prized for its light and dark green foliage. The plant has the occasional common name “dumb cane” which refers to the effect sap from the plant can have if ingested. It can paralyze the vocal cords rendering the affected individual unable to speak.

Dumb cane is a perennial native to Colombia that grows primarily in wet tropical biomes. It grows a single white spathe. This species was discovered and described by Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André in 1877.

Dieffenbachia 'Green Magic' stands out and is named for its leaves, which are a solid green color with a white central stripe. This is quite a contrast to the mottled green and white leaves of the parent plant. This tropical hybrid is most commonly grown as a houseplant since it is easy to care for and thrives in low light conditions.

Dieffenbachia 'Sterling' can be distinguished by its large foliage, which is accentuated with highly contrasting white veins that run throughout its surface. An important quality to note about this cultivar is that, compared to other Dieffenbachia varieties, dieffenbachia 'Sterling' is more susceptible to attacks from mites and other insects.