How to Grow and Care for Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia, also known as Mother-in-law's tongue, Tropic snow, Exotica, Amoena, Charming dieffenbachia, Leopard lily

Dieffenbachia is typically considered an easy-to-care-for houseplant with a few specific needs to ensure its health and growth. Key to dieffenbachia's care is appropriate lighting; it thrives in bright, indirect sun exposure, avoiding direct sunlight that can scorch its leaves. Additionally, dieffenbachia requires regular watering, but it’s crucial to let the topsoil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Awareness of its toxic sap, especially to pets and children, is a special care point, necessitating cautious handling and placement.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full shade

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Dieffenbachia

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full shade
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	All year round
Hardiness Zones	10-12
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Dieffenbachia

Dumbcane

Dumbcane is a popular Dieffenbachia cultivar that has been sold as a houseplant for decades. This cultivar is distinguished by its tendency to grow quite tall (over 1.8 m tall) compared to other varieties. It is an excellent pick if you crave a jungle look in your patio, home, or office and need a low-maintenance plant; look no further!

Dumb Cane 'Sparkle'

Dumb Cane 'Sparkle' is a popular houseplant known for its striking variegated foliage, with dark green leaves marked with white spots. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and is remarkably tolerant of low light conditions. Caution should be exercised when handling this plant, as its sap can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

Dieffenbachia Seguine 'Aurora'

Dieffenbachia Seguine 'Aurora' is a popular houseplant due to its striking leaves. Its large, variegated leaves have bright green centers and cream-colored edges. The plant is toxic when ingested and can cause temporary speech loss. It is native to Central and South America and prefers bright, indirect light.

Dumb cane Camille

Dumb cane Camille is a Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camille' hybrid cultivar, selected for its slightly oval, dark green leaves with creamy markings in the leaf centers. This cultivar is also known to be quite compact, as it grows slightly smaller than its parent plants. Just like all Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camille' species, dumb cane Camille is poisonous as well.

Dieffenbachia Seguine 'Maroba'

Dieffenbachia Seguine 'Maroba' is a unique variety of Dieffenbachia Seguine with arrow-shaped leaves that sport a vibrant mix of green and yellow. It's a popular houseplant but should be kept out of reach of pets and children due to its toxic qualities.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Dieffenbachia

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More General Info About Dieffenbachia

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The dieffenbachia is distinguished by its large, elliptic-oblong leaves, which often reach lengths of 10-20 inches (25-50 cm). These lush green leaves feature creamy, irregular blotches and a prominent venation with more than 8 main lateral veins, typically around 20. An older dieffenbachia's stem becomes visible as the plant matures. Its foliage and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for indoor environments, yet caution should be exercised due to its toxic properties.