Only feed your plant in the spring or summer (during their active growing season). Your email address will not be published. They can be small table plants or 5ft-6ft. Drench the soil in water only if there’s a draining hole at the bottom of its pot. Refer to the troubleshooting list above to help you figure it out. Check the plant’s soil regularly and water when the top inch of soil has dried. The most common causes of dumb cane drooping are over or under watering, exposure to hot or cold drafty air, houseplant bugs, or transplant shock. How often should I water my dieffenbachia plant? See to the “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” section above for more details. 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. The stem will grow new leaves right below the cut. Dumb cane plants need a well-aerated soil that retains a little moisture but also drains fast. For roots to form, the soil should be moist. Read the section above titled “Dieffenbachia Pruning Tips” to learn more about that. I’ve also heard of people successfully rooting dieffenbachia in water, though I’ve never tried it myself. Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) Dieffenbachia Care . 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. Watering. Direct sun will cause their leaves to fade or burn. But you could try putting a plastic bag over the cutting to help give it enough humidity (just never allow the bag to touch the leaves). All kidding aside, overwatering really is the main thing you need to worry about when growing this plant. Ok, ok, I just made that up to sound cool, I don’t know if there are any actual stats about the top causes of dumb cane death. Regular pruning is the only way to keep them compact and bushy. Dumb canes can live for many years, and some varieties can grow to be several feet tall, creating a very large floor plants. It’s common for dumb cane to grow tall and leggy over time. The list under “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” will give you more ideas and details about fixing common dieffenbachia plant care problems. Learn how to repot houseplants here. 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. It’s s a natural insecticide that is very effective at controlling houseplant bugs. Keep the soil mix moist and check that water drains properly. Dieffenbachia compacta. Is that ok for a dormant so called plant? 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. Mainly improper watering (either over OR under watering), over fertilizing, or a bug infestation. Though annoying, that’s the normal growth pattern of this type of plant. Though they originate from the tropics, they make excellent houseplants because they can easily adapt to growing indoors. If very little soil is left, or the roots are circling around the bottom of the container, then it’s time to repot it. Personally, I’ve had the best success using my propagation box for rooting dumb cane cuttings. Any general purpose potting soil will work just fine. Identifying the problem is easy if you take a few minutes to look at the growing conditions your plant is in. If left unpruned, the plant will resemble a palm tree. ec.gc.ca. Pruning out new top growth like this will encourage your plant to grow bushier, and stay more compact. Yes, and you should make it part of your normal dieffenbachia care routine. In indoor cultivation, however, the plant rarely gets this large. Place the stems into a vase of fresh room-temperature water. Common dieffenbachia plant types or names you may come across are seguine, compacta, maculata, golden sunset, camilla (aka camille), amoena plant. You too should take heed of this advice and wear protective clothing when handling the plant. So it can be a difficult balance to give them the perfect amount of light in order to get them to bloom. If you tend to overwater plants, make sure you grow your dumb cane in a pot that has drainage holes, and never allow it to soak in water. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Feeding also encourages flowers. Horticultural oil works great too. ec.gc.ca. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my referral links. But don’t prune them during the winter, wait until early spring, otherwise it can trigger weak new growth. Then it’s probably time for a bigger pot. Yes, they love being outside during the summer. It’s not necessary to prune a dumb cane plant, but you may if you want to keep its shape under control or you want it at a certain size. In the summer, lawn and garden watering can increase the demand for water by more than 50%. Your email address will not be published. The Dieffenbachia seguine, commonly known as dumb cane plant or simply dieffenbachia, is an extremely attractive, easy-to-grow houseplant. Dumb cane is a sturdy plant that resists most pests and diseases. The many varieties of dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) with their large -- often variegated -- leaves make attractive, hardy houseplants. They could even be grown in your shade garden if you live in a warm climate. It will tolerate extended periods of watering neglect, but the leaves will begin to shrivel. Here are my tips for how to prune dieffenbachia…. For the … Each plant may vary from pictures shown as plants are hand selected based on season, size, health, and readiness. Yes! I like to grow a variety of them, but I especially appreciate the ones that are simple to maintain. See to the “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” section above for more details. Dumb cane plants also really like humidity, but they will adapt to growing without it. However, if you’re a person who tends to give your houseplants TOO much love in the form of water… then you’re better off using a fast draining soil mix for them. Good luck! Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Care Guide Watering your Dieffenbachia. However, the soil shouldn’t be too porous that the roots can’t access the moisture. Don’t allow the soil to dry out completely and also don’t overwater so that the soil gets soggy or waterlogged, or else you risk causing root rot, which in most cases is irreversible. In this section I will cover some frequently asked questions about dumb cane related to their general health, toxicity, and lifespan. In this section, I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions I get about proper dieffenbachia care. 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. Simply add some perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to the potting soil to help with drainage. If you’re tired of watching your houseplant suffer to stay alive through the long, dark winter months, then my Winter Houseplant Care eBook is for you! Watering. 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. I use a mixture of 1 tsp mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water. And now that you know how to take care of dieffenbachia, you’ll be able to grow these gorgeous houseplants for years to come! And be sure to use a fast draining soilless mix for rooting cuttings, rather than regular potting soil. In this post, I’ll give you lots of information about the plant – including the name, different dieffenbachia types, toxicity, common problems, and FAQs. Rooting dieffenbachia cuttings can be a bit tricky. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to grow dieffenbachia. They won’t tolerate the cold at all though, so be sure to move them back inside before the temperature gets below 60F. 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. In the winter you can forego feeding the plant, stick to fertilizing it only during the growing seasons. You can grow it whenever you want without looking for a special month and season. Move it to a spot where it gets bright, indirect sunlight, or add a grow light. If you would like to order a self-watering pot, check out our range of Lechuza pots here. Plant your dumb cane in standard houseplant potting mix. 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. If you don’t have a bright room to grow your dumb cane, then you could add a small grow light to help keep the plant from growing too leggy. And never repot a sick or ailing plant to try to save it. Then allow the excess to drain from the pot before putting it back on the plant tray. 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. It’s very common for dumb canes to get tall and leggy with age, this is their normal growth habit. Regular but moderate watering is called for. Beautiful large dieffenbachia floor plants. If you don’t want to mix your own, you can buy an organic insecticidal soap spray. Plant the dumbcane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). 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. Please note: this product does not include a pot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why are the tips of my dieffenbachia plant turning brown? Rotate the plant every time you water to help prevent it from leaning to one side as its reaching for the the light. 60% soil mixed in with 20% compost and 20% perlite or pumice or coarse sand. It produces large, thick leaves that are often variegated with stripes or spots. Why are the leaves on my dieffenbachia turning yellow? In spring and summer. Potting soil has the propensity to become compacted and strangle the roots, so it shouldn’t be used on its own. You don’t need to worry about repotting your dumb cane very often, they really don’t need to be repotted until they become pot-bound. Yes, the ASPCA website warns that dumb canes are toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Let’s know more about How to care for dieffenbachia in this article. Only water species of Dieffenbachia as often as the top layer of soil dries. Make sure to water your plant after pruning and keep away any discarded leaves from pets and kids. Though dumb cane flowers are pretty (and fun to see! Always, always use a container with holes in the bottom for drainage. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. 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. 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. 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. So, if you really want to see if you can get your dumb cane to bloom, then be sure to feed it. In the winter, make sure to cut back on watering. If you find bugs on your dieffenbachia, then start treating the plant right away using organic pest control methods. WHERE TO WATER . Repotting a Dumb Cane. Low light is no concern, however. Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants and the dieffenbachia houseplant is no exception. The high calcium oxalate content can cause irritation, swallowing issues, and even suffocation in more extreme cases. 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. I love being surrounded by plants all year round, and that’s one reason why I have a large collection of houseplants. If you struggle with knowing when to water your plants, then I recommend getting a soil moisture gauge. The good news is that, no matter which type you have, dieffenbachia care is the same for all! Dumb cane are perfect low light houseplants because they actually don’t like it when they get too much light, especially direct sunlight. 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). The dumb cane plant does flower and has no real smell or fragrance. I also recommend waiting until early spring to repot it, but only if it really needs it. You may opt for adding fresh soil into the gaps between the soil and planter, so as to give the plant a nutrient boost. This is one houseplant which probably wont mind a routine watering regime. Dumb cane houseplants aren’t super fussy about the type of soil they’re grown in. Required fields are marked *. Read More... My dieffenbachia has performed well for years but now it is droopy and new leaves take a long time to unfurl. Required fields are marked *. I had my Dumb Cane right beside a bright window and he was happy. its winter now, I thought that they go dormant indoors, but it looks like I have to repot to a larger container. Just make sure you check the soil before watering by sticking your finger about an inch into the dirt. Simply lift the plant from the pot, knock down any soil to reveal the roots and clean them down of any dead material. Make sure that the stem cutting you pick has a section where new leaves and stems will grow. Hi our big old Dieffenbachia two of its largest legs froze where do we cut at to take them off? Pruning is an important part of dieffenbachia care, it helps keep the plant tidy, grow bushier, and look healthier. See more ideas about indoor plants, house plants indoor, dumb cane plant. If the leaves are starting to droop, act a bit quicker next time! Gorgeous dieffenbachia indoor plant with bright green leaves. Follow the directions below for fertilizing dumb cane plants. I’ll also show you exactly how to care for a dumb cane plant. One of the most common mistakes made with a Dieffenbachia plant is that people tend to overwater. They are extremely tolerant of any indoor environment, and are super easy to grow houseplants (heck, they practically take care of themselves). Popularly known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia is a no-fuss plant. Curling leaves on Dumb Cane Plants can have several different causes. In about 4-8 weeks, stem cuttings will root. Some dieffenbachia varieties have dark green leaves, many with white spotting. To be sure, simply slide the plant out of the pot and take a look at the roots. So keep that in mind as you troubleshoot your plants symptoms…. WATERING NEEDS | Do not overwater as plant roots will rot. WATERING YOUR DUMB CANE PLANT THE RIGHT WAY. Good luck! For rooting dumb cane plant cuttings in water, you’re going to need slightly bigger cuttings, around 4 to 6 inches long. Learn all about how to get rid of houseplant bugs naturally here. A soapy water spray is also very good for controlling most types of bugs. Just like any other living plant, dumb canes do require some care in order to grow their best. Dumb cane thrives in well-drained soil. Brown or yellow leaves can be removed from the plant at any time, as can dead or faded flower. A spot next to a sunny window, or where it gets filtered sun through a curtain would be perfect. When dieffenbachia leaves don’t unfurl, it could be caused by a few things. Overwatering and improper light conditions may be two of the biggest points of challenge when caring for this plant, so make sure to understand the needs of your dumb cane variety. Dumb canes need less water in winter, and plants in lower-light conditions may also need less water overall. Still, there are a few insects and diseases that you’ll want to keep an eye out for. If you start to notice the leaves are fading or turning brown, then move it farther away from the window. Never use chemical pesticides on indoor plant bugs because they can build up a resistance to chemicals, making problem even worse. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering, but never let it get completely bone dry. A variety of different dumb cane (dieffenbachia) types. Check it every few weeks by sticking your finger about 1″ into the soil. Remove any excess water from the saucer and repeat the watering procedure only if the top of the soil is dried out. INCLUDED IN PURCHASE | (1) Dieffenbachia Camille "Dumb Cane" in a festive holiday planter and wooden stand set with graphic text of "Ho Ho Ho". 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. 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. I’m not an overwaterer. It may be due to underwatering, over-fertilisation or temperature changes so check out its environment and adjust care accordingly. It is a hardy plant that can last for a long period. The most common causes of dumb cane drooping are over or under watering, exposure to hot or cold drafty air, houseplant bugs, or transplant shock. And that became evident pretty quickly when the dumb cane’s leaves began to wilt a bit. Also, check to make sure it’s not completely pot-bound. Light Requirement. Another great thing about easy-to-grow indoor plants like dumb cane is that they can grow just fine without fertilizer. Problems with dieffenbachia plant can be easily overcome in most situations. Here’s a great list of some of the most common dumb cane varieties. They will adapt to growing in a low light area, but they won’t grow as vigorously. Or if it’s in a 10″ pot, put it into a 12″ or 14″ pot. It also helps to rotate the plant once and a while so it doesn’t reach toward the window (like this neglected one that was growing in my dark kitchen…oops!). If these plants are not neglected and their growing conditions are optimal, they can live for many years. Otherwise, check out my list of pet friendly houseplants instead. Here are the ones I think are most noteworthy: This is a tall-growing variety that can reach 6 feet in height. Instead, follow these detailed tips for how to care for a dieffenbachia plant…, Two different types of dumb cane houseplants. 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. Add green plant liquid fertilizer every 8 to 15 days during the growing phase. You can also prune brown leaf tips and edges as necessary, following the natural shape of the leaf. In terms of requirements, it is one of the easiest plants to grow. 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. Feeding the plant every two weeks with a high-quality liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. How do you manage to have your dumb canes so bushy. The most common problem with growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is too much moisture. The third and last dumb cane propagation method is waiting for the plant to create sucklers that you can separate when repotting the mother plant and place them in their own container. Once new roots are formed, you can cut off the top plant just below the roots and transplant it. Well, there’s a reason for that funny name! Rather than watering your plant on a set schedule, you should always check the soil to figure out when it needs water. The key is to keep the soil moist but never soggy, and give the cutting lots of humidity. 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. We recommend giving your Dumb Cane plant a shower and replacing the soil immediately. It’s rare for a healthy dumb cane houseplant to have problems with bugs, but sometimes insect pests like spider mites, thrips or mealybugs can attack the plant. There are around 100 dumb cane cultivars and 30 dumb cane species. Dumb canes like to be pot-bound, so don’t repot it unless it’s necessary. Dieffenbachia (aka Dumb Cane) is a very common tropical indoor plant that is prized for it’s beautiful foliage and easy care requirements. 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. On the other hand, if the room is too dark, they’ll quickly grow tall and leggy. Make sure not to damage the root system of either plant when dividing. It will allow you monitor the moisture level, and help ensure you’re watering your plant at the right time. Other organic fertilizers that I like using are this houseplant fertilizer or a general purpose plant food. In terms of water, your dumb cane’s soil should remain relatively moist but not soggy. (or should I say “either”?) You can also exchange perlite for coarse sand. Your email address will not be published. Dieffenbachia Care Instructions – Also known as Dumb Cane Plant. I highly recommend using an organic plant fertilizer rather than chemical ones. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. 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. However, they will not tolerate direct sunlight. Dumb Cane Plant. Dumb Cane Care & Growing Guide 1. Dumb cane plants have varying light requirements, but most prefer bright, indirect light. My stems are thin and growing like an ivy. The dumb cane does need a bit more water than the pothos, snake, and ZZ plants. Do not keep it in either the shade or in direct sunlight. 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. If you notice webbing on the leaves or leaf joints, those are spider mites. If grown outdoors, the dumb cane plant can reach 5 feet and leaves can become larger than a foot. May 6, 2019 - Explore Hilda Charles's board "Dumb Cane Plant" on Pinterest. Before watering your dumb cane, make sure the top inch of soil is dried out. Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight. What’s With The Weird Dieffenbachia Common Name? The 9th Day of "365 Days of Plants" features Dieffenbachia oerstedii also commonly known as Dumb Cane, which has gotten its common name from its toxic nature. If you want to learn how to root a dieffenbachia plant, see the details in the section called “Dieffenbachia Propagation Methods”. Yes, but it’s not very common for a dumb cane houseplant to bloom indoors. Watering Reminders; Ask Judy; Glossary; Posts; Dieffenbachia Plant. Dumb canes can be propagated by either rooting stem cuttings or by division. And like I said, they will get leggy much faster without adequate lighting. Putting them next to a sunny window where they will get lots of natural light (but no direct sun) is the ideal location for them. First, take a close look at the leaves to see if you can find any bugs. If there are several stems growing in the pot, you can separate them to grow new plants. In order to bloom, dieffenbachia houseplants need a lot of bright, indirect light. Even though dieffenbachia care isn’t difficult, it’s definitely important to know the growing requirements in order to keep it alive and thriving. Of course, you can find dieffenbachia for sale online any time during the year. Keep in mind that caring for dumb cane and the exact watering schedule will vary based on the season and the plant’s location in the home. 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. The dieffenbachia needs bright indirect light, whether it is indoors or outdoors. To water your dieffenbachia, give it a good soaking until the water starts to run out of the drainage holes. Well guess what, the dumb cane houseplant (Dieffenbachia) is one of the easiest! Remove any excess water from the saucer and repeat the watering procedure only if the top of the soil is dried out. The number one cause of dieffenbachia houseplant death is overwatering!! Dumb Cane is toxicto humans and pets, as it contains oxalic acid and calium oxalate crystals that can cause burning and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat and it can cause nause, vomiting and diarrhea. 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. Make sure you don’t overwater them, treat any pests and diseases without delay, and keep the plant out of direct sunlight and protect it from the cold — including cold drafts — to maximize its chances for a long lifespan. You can also give your plant a foliar spray using compost tea. Water regularly. It could just be that it has outgrown it’s pot, and is ready for a new one. Its leaves are deep green with lime green variegation. Place the cutting horizontally on soil and bury half of it. Use a pair of sterilized knives or scissors and cut stems at a 45-degree angle. Then keep the water fresh as you wait for the roots to grow. Dumb Cane Soil Requirements. ec.gc.ca. Both! Its variegated leaves are bright green with yellow. But, usually you’ll find the best selection of houseplants during the fall and winter months. Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) care is easy when you know exactly what to do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I just assumed he wasn’t quite a desert lover. Alternatively, it may be due to a pest infestation, most commonly spider mites. I like using compost fertilizer, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea bags and brew your own. Sensitive varieties are extremely sensitive to cold and overwatering. Yes, the dieffenbachia plant is poisonous. Am I right?! Your email address will not be published. The most frustrating part of dieffenbachia care is when your plant is sick and you don’t know why. Repotting puts a lot of stress on plants, and the transplant shock may end up killing weak or unhealthy plants.