Houseplant Spotlight: Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia Features

Dieffenbachia houseplants are an easy houseplant to grow, so it makes a great plant for beginners. Often called Dumb Cane, Dieffenbachia leaves have a wonderful variety of white or cream designs on lush green leaves. These plants can grow to reach heights of 10 feet and their leaves can get up to 20 inches long when given the perfect tropical conditions. However, it is unlikely that they will reach this size indoors. Dieffenbachias placed on an empty wall or near a large piece of furniture to fill the space nicely and make a great design statement.

Growing Dieffenbachia Houseplants

Dieffenbachia houseplants are a typical tropical indoor plant. They prefer to be grown in a relatively warm, humid spot with plenty of light. During the spring and summer, when the weather is nice and warm, you can place them outside on a patio or porch. If you see brown tips starting to form on the plant, the air may be too dry. By relocating into a humid bathroom, combine with other houseplants, or set it on a pebble-filled tray of water.

Light

Dieffenbachia almost always likes to be placed in a filtered, bright area but have been known to tolerate low-light spots also. Giving the plant a quarter turn every few days to expose all sides to sunlight. This will also help to encourage even growth as the plant grows.

Water and Soil

Dieffenbachia houseplants will not tolerate soggy soil, so make sure that the soil you are using is fast-draining and well-aerated. We suggest using Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix because it has everything a houseplant needs in a soil. During the spring and summer, Dieffenbachias need to have regular moisture. This will ensure that the soil will not dry out. Sometimes watering them twice a week is necessary. In the winter, cut back on the water because it doesn’t need as much while it’s dormant.

Fertilizer

Dieffenbachia houseplants will always benefit from regular feeding. Feed them every 6 – 8 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer such as Bonide Liquid Plant Food. Dilute according to the label and cut back on feeding in the winter when the growing is dormant.

Humidity

Dieffenbachias like above-average warmth and humidity. Make sure the plant is in a bathroom or kitchen with high humidity.

At City Floral Garden Center, we carry Denver’s largest variety of Dieffenbachia houseplants. Come check out our Dieffenbachia houseplants and take one of these beauties home.

Which houseplants are your favorite? What kinds of houseplants would you like to see in City Floral? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook and tag @cityfloralgardencenter or in the comments below!