The genus Dieffenbachia includestropical foliage plantsthat are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture industrial plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 , but are grown as houseplant in dusty climate . The industrial plant develop the name dumbcane because its stem contain skin - irritating phonograph needle - like raphides that cause a burning sensation in the rima oris and throat when ingested , literally making one speechless . Although mothers might wish well for quiet when the kids are running around scream , you should definitely keep this toxic works out of the reach of children , in particular when split to make fresh plants and exposing the inner flesh .
Dividing Plant
Step 1
have on heavy gloves , long sleeve and safety glass before splitting the dumbcane plant , so the sap does n’t touch your skin or eyes . wear upon a external respiration masquerade to keep it out of your mouth or hold your mouth close while knead with dieffenbachia .
Step 2
reduce a circle around the dieffenbachia works that value about 4 inches outside the outer margin of the fore . Use a excavate coon to trim down the circle , insert the blade in the cut and rip back on the handgrip to pry it out of the ground . If you grow dieffenbachia in a container , just slip the root ball out of its container .
Step 3
Brush excess dirt away from the exterior of the beginning ball until you break some of the roots and cane . practice your hands or a small cleaning brush .
Step 4
Look for instinctive separation among the various canes of the plant . Although all canes are part of the same plant , some might appear to be grouped together .
Step 5
take out these groups apart to split the plant into two to four disjoined plants , depending on the size of the original dumbcane plant . If you ca n’t pull them apart by manus , use a sterile tongue or pruning ascertain to cut through the soil . Disinfect the tongue or saw in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water before and after economic consumption .
Step 6
Return one of the sections to the original container or planting localisation . Plant the remain section in Modern containers or planting land site that pick up partial tone to full shade , no more than two minute of sun daily . An outdoor planting site must have well - drained filth , while containers need a potting soil with unspoiled drain that is plenteous in constituent thing .
Tip
The potentially harmful effects of dumbcane sap does n’t entail you ca n’t enjoy this works in your home . expose the plant in a gamy windowpane or on a counter far from nipper ’s reach . Wait until the kids are down for a nap or go to layer for the dark before assay to split the industrial plant and you wo n’t have to care about them come in striking with the sap .
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