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4.5 out of 5 (373 experiences)


About Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia was cultivated in England before 1759 and upper Amazon indigenous groups are known to have used their calcium oxalates to make poison arrows. Dieffenbachia flowers can generate large amounts of excess heat which botanists believe attracts potential pollinators to the flower's warmth. 🐝
Taxonomy
Dieffenbachia seguine
Dieffenbachia
Araceae
Alismatales
Also known as
Dumb Cane 'Mars'

How to care for Dieffenbachia

How often to water your Dieffenbachia

every 9
Dieffenbachia needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Dieffenbachia in your home

a window
Dieffenbachia can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Dieffenbachia in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Dieffenbachia

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Dieffenbachia after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Dieffenbachia is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Dieffenbachia prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Dieffenbachia can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Dieffenbachia is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Dieffenbachia is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Humidity
Dieffenbachia doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Dieffenbachia does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Dieffenbachia should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
It’s common for Dieffenbachia to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Dieffenbachia is native to the Caribbean and tropical South America.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Dieffenbachia bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Dieffenbachia grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Dieffenbachia can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12a. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Dieffenbachia can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Dieffenbachia, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












Needs to be watered at least once a week. I keep it by my sink in the kitchen and it seems to love the humidity as well when I am doing dishes I feel the soil and just soak it through and then forget about it!
I am by far not the most dedicated plant parent but this is doing great and it gives great confidence to plant parents who are just starting out.
I was given mine as a prop and it just took off!

