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There are many places in the U.S. where tropical plants ca n’t prosper alfresco , but fortunately most of them can grow indoors . One lovely tropic houseplant is dieffenbachia , also known as the dim cane industrial plant or leopard lily . This beautiful plant life is bang for its large , oval leave that are variegate cream and dark light-green and white-hot flowers that are shaped similarly to apeace lily ’s flowers . If you ’re design on bringing this beauty home with you , here ’s everything you need to know to keep it happy and healthy .
Planting dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is intimately develop as a houseplant in the U.S. , so pop with a container that has good drainage holes . apply a well - draining potting soil mix that is fat and light . While dieffenbachia appreciate dampish soil , it is wanton to overwater , so drainage is important . In increase to enjoying plastered soil , dieffenbachia enjoys wet air . Placing your dieffenbachiain or near your bathroomis an pick , as the steam from bath and shower will keep the humidity high , but you’re able to also set a tray of body of water and pebbles near your industrial plant .
Dieffenbachia prefers bright , indirect light , but it will tolerate some shade as well . This industrial plant can also grow under fluorescent lights , making it a honorable selection foroffice or desk plants . Avoid order it in direct sunlight , however , as this can dry it out and potentially burn its leaves .
Dieffenbachia care
Once they ’ve been planted and settled into their fresh home , genus Dieffenbachia plant are wanton to care for . They ask to be watered on a regular basis , so keep an eye on their ground . If the soil begins to dry out out , it ’s time to water your genus Dieffenbachia . If you ’re using a humidity tray , you ’ll need to replace the water and scavenge the tray once or twice per calendar month , as well .
During outpouring and summer , while the dieffenbachia is growing , fertilize it a balanced fertilizer . depend on the type of fertiliser you ’re using and the size of your plant , you should aim to flow your genus Dieffenbachia once every calendar month to calendar month and a half .
You ’ll also require to keep your dieffenbachia strong . Avoid post it near draft or air vents , which can ball up cold , dry air onto your plant . Dieffenbachia is sensitive to cold , so this is particularly important during cold weather , but is something to pay up attention to during strong weather condition , as well .
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Dieffenbachia safety concerns
If you ’re going to be bringing dieffenbachia into your home , you should be aware of the potential peril it bring with it . Dieffenbachia arrest oxalate crystals , which are microscopic and implausibly sharp . They can devil your tegument , eyes , nose , mouth , and throat , so it ’s important to handle them with care .
Dieffenbachia plant affect pets in the same way , so keep your genus Dieffenbachia out of compass of any cats , dogs , or pocket-size children you have in your base . contact lens a veterinary surgeon or medical professional if you surmise a pet or somebody has eaten dieffenbachia , as the innervation can cause swell up in the throat . This property is actually the source of dieffenbachia ’s unwashed name , dumb cane plant , as the lump prevents words . However , this name is also being phase out in sure circles , since the word mute is no longer commonly used to signify unable to verbalise .
Troubleshooting common problems
Small , common garden pestis such as aphid and mites can sometimes put out dieffenbachia plants . These pesterer are more vulgar in low - humidness environments , so keeping your genus Dieffenbachia in a humid position and fend off the dry air of drafts and air vent can keep them at bay . Dusting the leaves or using an insecticidal soap can help get rid of any small pests that are already on your genus Dieffenbachia ’s leaf . Do n’t forget to treat the undersides of their leaf , too !
The most common problem with dieffenbachia is yellow leaves . This is typically a signal of overwatering , which mean it is easy to avoid . If your dieffenbachia ’s soil is still damp , do n’t irrigate it . Be sure the potting soil is drain well , and tick the container ’s drainage kettle of fish to ensure they are n’t choke . If left alone , the icteric leaves may finally fall off on their own , but some gardeners favor to off them .
Dieffenbachia is a beautiful and interesting plant . Whether you ’re looking for a new tropic plant for your home or a shade - liberal flora for your federal agency , dieffenbachia is a ripe choice . As long as it has enough pee , you should be able to enjoy this wonderful works and its gorgeous foliage for years . Just be sure to cover it carefully and keep it out of grasp of darling and children !
