House Plant Care Tips

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Plant Care

Common Name: Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia Species

Lighting: Moderate to Low

Watering: Moderate to Heavy

Remember that picture? I am sure some of us must be seated close to one right now at home. That is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane). It is an extremely common houseplant. It is also one of the easiest to care for. The foliage entails elliptical shaped leaves however the colors can vary greatly between type. Some foliage may be all green, cream with green borders or a mix between the two.

Dieffenbachia requires moist soil, so water frequently. You may also place a tray under the pot with water in it to help in keeping the plants soil moist at all times. This houseplant also requires high humidity levels so misting daily will also help keep the Dumb Cane healthy.

This houseplant prefers to be within 5 to 8 feet of a window, but will survive lower light levels. However please caution against placing the plant anywhere near drafty areas. The Dieffenbachia also prefers temperatures above 60 F.

The Dieffenbachia contains a toxic sap thus giving the name Dumb Cane, so please keep out of reach of children or animals that may try and eat the plant. It is one of the many poisonous house plants you may have in your home.

Common varieties of the Dieffenbachia include the Exotica Compacta, Australian, Tropic Marianne, Paradise, Camille and Tropic Snow.

Overall, Dieffenbachia is fairly simple to care for. However, it is now proven to be dangerous. The leaf of this plant causes itching if its sap (milk) touches your skin. But there are more dangerous facts!

One of my friends almost lost her daughter who put a piece of the leaf of this plant in her mouth and her tongue swelled to the point of suffocation.

This plant is common in most African Countries. It is a deadly poison, most specially for the children. It can kill a kid in less than a minute and an adult in 15 minutes. It should be uprooted from gardens and taken out of offices. If touched, one should never touch his/her eyes; it can cause partial or

permanent blindness. Please take care and alert your friends, colleagues and lived ones, even your enemies.