How to Care for Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane Plant)

Dieffenbachia grows best as a houseplant in bright, indirect light. Grow your plants in fertile and well-draining potting soil containing high amounts of peat. Being a tropical plant, your dumb cane plant will thrive excellently in high humidity. There is more to know about how you can provide better care to your dieffenbachia. The following care tips will help you understand better the plant's requirements to grow at its best!

Light

Dieffenbachias are well-recognised indoor plants (with lots of different varieties such as Dieffenbachia Tropic Marianne, Dieffenbachia Tropical Tiki, Dieffenbachia Starbright and more) because they grow best in shady conditions. However, these plants prefer bright sunlight during the cold months. In its growing season, it appreciates indirect sunlight or dappled shade. Periodically rotate your plant when placed in light to ensure even growth.

Soil

Use a better-aerated, well-draining potting mix for your dieffenbachia plant. Ensure its draining is great to prevent roots damage. Also, make sure they are never left in damp soil.

Water

Dieffenbachias in their growing season love frequent moisture and don't like to dry out. You need to water your plant at least twice a week. In the cold months, this plant does not demand much water to avoid much watering. Simultaneously, it's necessary not to overwater your plant, which can lead to rot problems. Let the soil completely dry out before watering.

Temperature

Dieffenbachias like warm environments, from 65°F to 75°F. A temperature below 60°F or if this plant gets cold drafts, it will likely drop its lower leaves and displays a palm-like appearance.

Fertiliser

For best outcomes, feed your dieffenbachias regularly about four to six times every week. You can use a well-balanced and diluted fertiliser like a 20-20-20 for your plant. However, some gardeners stick to the routine of feeding their plants with a weak, diluted fertiliser during every watering.

Propagating Dieffenbachia

There are two best and easy methods to propagate your dieffenbachia plant. One method is by dividing them by root division, and the second is by using cane cuttings. The root division method is implemented while repotting your plant in the spring. You can divide the offsets leaving some plant's roots intact, and then plant it in the pot. It is necessary to ensure that you do not damage the whole root system of the parent plant in that process. Also, the tool you use must be sterilized to prevent spreading disease. When placed in moist potting soil, cane cuttings can take root and soon sprout new leaves. Cane cuttings can also water propagated with a propagation station.

Repotting Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachias frequently require annual repotting. It is important to notice the signs of stress on your plant, like roots coming out from the plant's surface, falling, or crowding leaves. These signs indicate that your plant requires repotting. To report your dieffenbachia, you need to lift it as a whole, remove the old soil and any dead material from the plant's roots. Now, it's time to place in its new, larger pot with some added new and fresh soil.

Common Pests

Dieffenbachias are mostly trouble-free. However, like many other indoor houseplants, they can sometimes be prone to spider mites. You can get rid of them by treating your plant with horticultural oil.