Very large and popular tropical plant, easy to care for and very hardy

Dieffenbachia seguine, also known as the Dumb cane plant, is a popular and easy-care houseplant with strong and decoratively patterned leaves. The large, oval leaves almost always have irregular spots or streaks in lighter green, yellow or cream tones. The leaves are arranged in dense spiral formations at the top of the stem.

In nature, the plant grows 1-2 meters tall, which it can also grow as a potted plant where it thrives. The patterns on the leaves develop best in bright conditions. The more white or yellow the leaves have, the brighter the plant should be to compensate for the absence of chlorophyll and maintain its beautiful contrasts.

The leaves gradually die from below along the stem, giving older plants a tree-like appearance. Older plants may flower with a whitish-yellow cob surrounded by a greenish-yellow leaf, revealing that the prickly pear belongs to the cold-hardy plants. After flowering, the main shoot dies, but new root shoots appear next to the mother plant.

Botanical description

Dieffenbachia seguine is originally from tropical America and is part of the Araceae family (cold-loving plants). The genus Dieffenbachia includes more than 50 species of tropical plants and is named after Johann Dieffenbach, a botanist and gardener at Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace who discovered the plant in 1820.

In the wild, D. seguine usually grows in shady places in the undergrowth of rainforests, but it can also be found in clearings and often even along roadsides. It colonizes both humid and fairly dry environments. It is therefore highly adaptable and can cope well in a wide range of conditions.

The species is very variable in its vast range. There are forms with completely green leaves and those with patterns. This adaptability makes it one of the most dark-tolerant houseplants.

Care

Place in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause them to turn yellow. A location near an east or north facing location is ideal. The plant tolerates shade well, but the leaves will be smaller and the patterns less striking.

Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. The soil should be moist but not wet and not soggy either.

Keep the temperature around the plant regular and avoid cold drafts or radiators. Room temperature, 21-25 degrees, is optimal. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees.

Dieffenbachia prefers high humidity, so consider using a humidifier or misting the foliage during dry winter months. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

Rotate the plant regularly so that all leaves get equal light. Prune regularly to promote bushier growth and remove yellow or damaged leaves. As the plant grows larger, it may need support as it can become top-stalked. Buy Dieffenbachia seguine online!