Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane plants, native to the tropics of Mexico and all the way south to Argentina, are relatively easy-care houseplants with large, broad, patterned, oblong leaves. They can be small table plants or 5ft-6ft. trees depending on the variety you select. Dieffenbachias are fast-growing houseplants that tend to get top heavy if not properly pruned. All parts of a dieffenbachia are extremely poisonous which is how they earned the nickname “dumb cane plant”and should be kept away from pets and children.
Dieffenbachia plants require medium to high light. Direct sun burns the leaves and too much bright light causes the vibrant leaf color to fade. When an indoor dieffenbachia does not get enough light, the new leaves are small and far apart on the stem.
Water well and then allow the top 2″-3″ of soil to dry out before watering again. Dieffenbachia plants do best when watered on a regular schedule. If the soil gets too dry, bottom leaves may turn yellow. If the plant is over watered, stems rot and get mushy and bottom leaves die.
Dieffenbachia plants prefer temperatures above 60°F (15.6°C). Lower leaves turn yellow when exposed to cold drafts from doors, windows, or air conditioners.
High humidity is a plus, but a dieffenbachia still does well in basic household humidity.
Look out for spider mites and Mealy Bugs.