Melinda Myers

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 & 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

• 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