Dieffenbachia

Varieties we grow

Compacta

Compact habit; large leaves with dark green edges and a white center.

Tiki

Light green leaves with white markings; one of the largest at maturity.

Reflector

Leaves with bright green spots and variegation.

Camille

Large leaves with dark green edges fading to a white center.

Sublime

Green leaves sprinkled with white speckles; very easy care.

Tropic Marianne

Large pale yellow leaves with a green margin.

Snow

Green leaves with white flecks; upright and easy care.

Star Bright

Large green leaves with white and cream blotches.

Light

It looks best in bright indirect or filtered light, but it copes with shady spots. In low light it grows more slowly and the white on the leaves fades a little. Direct sun scorches the leaves.

Watering

It would rather stay a little dry than wet. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry and empty the saucer. Overwatering is the most common reason the stem rots.

Soil and pot

Use an airy mix with perlite or coco coir, in a pot with drainage holes. Go easy on fertilizer, because built-up salts make the leaves curl downward and drop. Its sap strongly irritates skin, eyes and mouth, so wear gloves when pruning or repotting and wash your hands afterwards. Keep it out of reach of small children and pets.

Humidity and temperature

Its ideal range is 75–80 °F (24–27 °C), though it tolerates 59–95 °F (15–35 °C). It likes medium to high humidity, but without standing water on the leaves. When it's very hot, group it with other plants so the air isn't so dry.

In the Dominican Republic

It's very common in Dominican homes and porches, and grows vigorously in the shade. Outdoors, shield it from the afternoon sun and from hurricane winds, which tear its large leaves. In the rainy season, a pot that doesn't drain will rot the stem; keep it under a roof. Indoors, keep it away from the air conditioning draft.

Also known as

Difenbaquia

Common Spanish name

Caña muda

Common Spanish name

Rábano cimarrón

Puerto Rico

Mata puerco

Caribbean (not yet confirmed in the Dominican Republic)

Lotería

Panama

Galatea

Mexico and Peru

Dumb cane

Common English name

Common problems

• A child or pet bit a leaf→The sap causes burning, drooling and swelling in the mouth; rinse the mouth with water and call a doctor or vet right away.
• Soft, dark stem at the base→Rot from overwatering; let it dry out more between waterings and make sure the pot drains.
• Leaves curling downward and dropping→Too much fertilizer or salt buildup; flush the soil with plenty of water and fertilize less.
• Yellow lower leaves→One now and then is normal; if there are many, check your watering.
• Brown spots with yellowish edges on the leaves→Possibly an infection from wet leaves; remove the damaged leaves and water only the soil.