Dieffenbachia
Botanical Name
Dieffenbachia
Hardiness
Zones 10 to 12
Height
3 to 6 feet
Width
1 to 3 feet
Light
Filtered light spring thru fall - more direct light in winter
Soil
Moist, well-draining potting mix
Planting and Care
Needs bright light to maintain even bottom leaves. Fertilize March thru September with diluted houseplant fertilizer. To increase humidity in winter place container in a shallow pan filled with pebbles and water. Can rejuvenation prune back to 6-8 inches if leggy or try air layering to renew. Propagate by cuttings or air layering.
Problems
Spider mites, scale, aphids, mealybugs, fungal leaf spot, blight, rot in poorly drained soil; sap is poisonous if ingested and can be irritating to skin - wear gloves when handling plant
Varieties to Consider
'Compacta' - fuller growing, compact, cream leaves freckled with green
'Snow Queen' - creamy yellow leaves with dark green edges and white veins
'Camille' - creamy yellow leaves edged in green, full growth
'Snow Queen' - creamy yellow leaves with dark green edges and white veins
'Camille' - creamy yellow leaves edged in green, full growth