How Dumb Canes Can Help You Live a Better Life

Contents

1 Dumb Cane | Dieffenbachia
2 Dieffenbachia Varieties:
3 How to Grow Dieffenbachia in Pots?
4 How to Propagate Dumb Canes from Cuttings?
- 4.1 Rooting in Soil
- 4.2 Rooting in Water
5 Growing Tips | How do you care for a Dieffenbachia plant?
6 Where does dieffenbachia plant grow?
7 Why are the leaves on my dieffenbachia turning yellow?
8 Is the dieffenbachia poisonous?

Dumb Cane | Dieffenbachia

Plants have an attractive foliage and leave to clean the harmful toxins in the atmosphere. Though the plant is toxic to humans when consumed, the leaf containing Raphides compound can still purify the surrounding atmosphere at both home & offices areas. It helps you to live a better and happy life by inhaling fresh and purified air in your rooms.

Dieffenbachia Varieties:

Most of these plant varieties are grown as ornamental plants and some as houseplants as they can tolerate in shade. Here is the list of some dumb cane plant varieties based on its growing climatic conditions and leaf structure…

S. No	Plant Variety	Specification
1	Rudolf Roehrs	Creamy leaves with white spots
2	Camille	Pale yellow leaves and bright green margins
3	Compacta	Creamy centers and green margins
4	Tropic snow	Green leaves along white veins and deep green margins
5	Sparkles	Bright colored leaves with white rib

How to Grow Dieffenbachia in Pots?

To grow dumb cane plants in pots or large containers choose a baby plant variety. You can buy them from nursery or online store that you wish to grow for air-purifying purpose and makes the home look beautiful.

Pot & Soil: Choose a pot of size 8-12 inches and check the soil ph before planting. Fill the pot with well-drain soil. Spacing should be 12 inches long between each plant when you prefer to grow dumb canes outdoors or landscape method.

Water & Sunlight: Plant dumb canes when the frost has passed. They grow well in warm climatic conditions and water the plant lightly to provide sufficient nutrients. When root develops you can increase the amount of water supply to the plants. Allow the plant to get sufficient sunlight for a minimum of 8 hours a day. So the best temperature to grow dumb canes is 65-75F.

Pruning: Plant can reach a height of 4-5 feet tall and can grow for years as an indoor plant. To prune dieffenbachia plant cut them at 45-degree angle using a knife. Remove the plant’s foliage which is 6 inches above the soil. Water the plant a little to recover it from pruning.

Nutrient Deficiency

S. No	Element	Deficiency symptom
1	Nitrogen	Spindle yellow leaves
2	Potassium	Browning at the leaf edges
3	Phosphorus	Slow growth and dull yellow foliage
4	Magnesium	Leaf veins turns yellow and reddish brown tints
5	Boron	Stunted growth and elongated twisted leaves

Pests & Diseases

Pests	Diseases
Spider mites	Bacterial rot
Mealybugs	Yellowing of leaves
Aphids	Leaf dropping off
Fungus gnats	Discoloration of leaves

Fertilizers: Generally fertilizers are used to improve the plant growth by deterring pests and diseases problem. It also supplies sufficient amounts of nutrients to the plants. Use Epsom salt, bone meal, N-P-K fertilizers (20-20-20) and organic matter such as compost or manure to boost the plant grow faster.

How to Propagate Dumb Canes from Cuttings?

Propagating Dieffenbachia from cuttings is easy to grow outdoors. You can use this method by selecting mature stems at moderate room temperature conditions. This method is most suitable for landscaping purpose. There are 2 methods to propagate Dieffenbachia plants from cuttings i.e. by placing cuttings in water and soil directly….

Rooting in Soil

Take stem cuttings of size 8-12 inches you wish to grow.
Trim the bottom leaves of dieffenbachia to prevent bacterial and fungal diseases.
Before planting prepare soil by adding mulches to it.
Water the plant a little and care for it by providing sufficient sunlight.
Within 2 weeks root develops and then you can place it in bigger pots.

Rooting in Water

For rooting in water method, take the stem cuttings of a certain height and place them in a jar or glass of water. Provide sunlight to the cuttings and change the water in the jar for every 2-3 days. Once the root develops you can transplant it to outdoors to promote faster growth.

Growing Tips | How do you care for a Dieffenbachia plant?

Here are some useful tips to grow dumb cane plants in your home…

Do not overwater as the plant cannot survive and may die.
Fertilize the plants for every 4-6 weeks with organic content.
Dumb cane plants do not tolerate if the temperature is below 60F.
Wear gloves and face masks if you don’t like the smell of dumb canes.
Make sure the plant receives sunlight for a minimum of 6-8 hours a day.
Follow instructions & warning labels on fertilizers before applying them.
Avoid planting dieffenbachia in too moist conditions as they prone to rot.
Pollination is not necessary as they don’t bloom flowers at any growing season.
Add mulch at the base of the plant to retain soil moisture levels but not soggy.
The pot must have holes at the bottom for better air circulation and proper drainage.
Keep children and pets (especially dogs & cats) away as they can’t tolerate toxins from the plants.

Where does dieffenbachia plant grow?

Dieffenbachia is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family of Araceae. These plants are native to the tropical regions of Mexico, West Indies, and Argentina. The plant has simple, alternate leaves with white spots & flecks and is grown as ornamental plants.

Why are the leaves on my dieffenbachia turning yellow?

Yellowing of leaves is a sign of nutrient deficiency in plants. It can also be due to the drought (lack of water) conditions. To overcome this problem place a tray with water under the plant that adds humidity to the surrounding atmosphere.

Is the dieffenbachia poisonous?

Dieffenbachia or dumb cane leaves contain needle-shaped crystals called Raphides (calcium oxalate) and if consumed the leaves in small amounts then it can cause erythema, burning sensation in stomach and can cause temporary inability to speak.

Start growing these wonderful dumb cane plants in pots or outdoors that purifies the surrounding air and improves your health. If you have amazing ideas about growing dumb plants in your home, please share your experience with us.

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