Care of the indoor plant Dieffenbachia bowmanii or Dumb cane |
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The genus Dieffenbachia, family Araceae, includes more than 50 species of tropical plants native to Central and South America. Some species are: Dieffenbachia bowmanii, Dieffenbachia seguine, Dieffenbachia oerstedii, Dieffenbachia costata, Dieffenbachia marianne, Dieffenbachia humilis. Common name: Dumb cane. This species is native to Colombia and Brazil. They are tropical perennials with fleshy erect stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The decorative leaves are large, ovate or oblong in shape and bright green with light spots. They produce erect inflorescences with green bracts. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. They are not recommended for houses where there are children because the whole plant is very poisonous if swallowed. Dieffenbachia bowmanii needs a very bright exposure but no direct sun. They do not resist temperatures below 16 ºC (60.8 ºF). Avoid drafts and sudden changes in temperature. The soil can be a mixture of peat moss, leaf mulch, and pieces of charcoal. Transplant in spring if the roots appear below the pot. Water regularly with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate surface to dry; keep the substrate slightly damp (never water). 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 by separation of suckers. |
Images of the indoor plant Dieffenbachia bowmanii or Dumb cane |
 Dieffenbachia bowmanii  Dieffenbachia bowmanii  Dieffenbachia bowmanii |