Dieffenbachia should not be ingested, as major discomfort could ensue. Upon contact, sap from Dieffenbachia may irritate the skin. People with more averse reactions to the plant's toxicity can have their tongues swell up and fill their mouths if they attempt to eat the plant, which is why the plants in this genus are also called Mother-In-Law's Tongue.
Dieffenbachia are noted for their patterned leaves. They are popular as houseplants because of their tolerance to shade. The leaves of this plant have needle shaped cells that attach to the mouth ad throat if swallowed and can cause suffocation.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial, Shrub |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 4 feet to 6 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 14a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | Green |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Variegated, Yellow |
| Special Features: | All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Attractive foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly-Alkaline, Well-Drained |
| Want to know where Giant Dumbcane will thrive in your house or garden? The EasyBloom Plant Sensor will give you a plant's-eye view of your environment to measure soil, sunlight, temperature and humidity. |
Watch a Video > Learn More > Buy EasyBloom > |
Propagate by rooting tip cuttings in spring or summer. Can also conduct air layering.
Striking variegated evergreen foliage. In the tropical south they will grow year round outside, but in other zones they're indoor foliage plants. Grows to 3-6 feet, depending on species. Leaves usually around 1 foot long. Dieffenbachia does best in partial shade, or bright filtered light, and high humidity. Grows best as a border plant.
In areas where Dieffenbachia is not growing hardy, raise plants indoors as houseplants or in a warm greenhouse. A warm greenhouse has a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C). During the day, temperatures should be set to 55-64°F (13-18°C) or above, and at night, the temperature should be at 55°F (13°C).
Flowers resemble odd, narrow Calla Lilies, borne sporadically throughout the year.
Moderate water when soil feels dry. It cannot withstand constant over watering, but will recover from underfeeding/under watering. Does best in well draining soils. Indoors, use a soil-based potting mix.
Implement a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growth.
Pruning is not usually necessary. If growing in containers, make sure to pot on, or move plant from one container to a larger one with fresh soil, each spring to provide room for new growth.
Mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. Other problems include stem and root rot, soft rot, bacterial blight, and fungal spot.