Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Dieffenbachia seguine or Dumbcane

The genus Dieffenbachia, family Araceae, includes more than 50 species of tropical plants native to Central and South America. Some species are: Dieffenbachia seguine, Dieffenbachia oerstedii, Dieffenbachia costata, Dieffenbachia bowmanii, Dieffenbachia marianne, Dieffenbachia humilis.

Common names: Dumbcane, Gold Dieffenbachia, Spotted Dumbcane or Variable Dieffenbachia. Scientific synonyms: Dieffenbachia maculata, Dieffenbachia picta. This species is native to Brazil, Venezuela and Bolivia.

They are tropical perennials with fleshy erect stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The decorative leaves are large, ovate or oblong in shape and glossy green with yellowish spots. The flowers are very small and are not decorative.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. They are not suitable for houses where there are children because the whole plant is very poisonous if swallowed.

Dieffenbachia Seguine needs a very bright exposure but no direct sun. In winter the temperature should not be less than 16 ºC (60.8 ºF). They are sensitive to drafts and sudden changes in temperature.

The soil can be a mixture of 3/4 of leaf mulch and 1/3 of normal garden soil. The transplant is done in spring.

Water regularly with water without lime or chlorine, waiting until the substrate is almost dry; the substrate must always be damp (not waterlogged). Periodically spray the leaves with lime-free water, especially in summer.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants in spring and summer.

They do not need pruning.

They can be attacked by mealybugs if there is excess water in the roots and by mites if they suffer from drought and the humidity is low.

They are propagated by stem cuttings and air layering.

Images of the indoor plant Dieffenbachia seguine or Dumbcane