is a houseplant named for the toxic sap its canelike stems exude when cut or broken. Some foliage may be all green, cream with green borders or a mix between the two. When this happens, simply remove the drooping leaves by pinching or cutting them off. If you see this happening, refer to the troubleshooting tips below. After nearly 20 years indoor gardening, I created this website to share my knowledge and love of plants with you. Make sure temperatures are warm and consistent wherever your plant lives. If you suspect your dieffenbachia is getting too much sun, move it to a north- or east-facing window. Webby material under the leaves with yellowing is a sign of spider mites, while aphids are easily seen crawling on the foliage. There are many compact forms that rarely need to be cut back, growing to only 12 inches tall; they make wonderful accent plants and some are low-growing enough to be used as tall groundcovers. Excess plant food causes brown leaf … Keep the soil slightly moist. However, the plants will rarely reach this size in typical indoor conditions. By Patricia H. Reed Updated December 10, 2018 Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia spp.) It's better to have the soil, on the dry side a little bit not on a soggy side. The leaves are broad and coarse and have dark green and cream variegated coloring. Thank you, G.W. For the best results, use an insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer’s directions to get rid of the pests. You could try to root it in water, which from what I understand has been successful for some. Your dieffenbachia has a classic case of leaf spot, a fungus caused by a combination of not enough light and too much water. A large piece of my dieffenbachia plant broke off. This is actually wrong, light shade is acceptable but nothing darker. Houseplanthelp.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Don't over water it. It's popular as a houseplant because of its large and attractive leaves. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Camille will grow from two to five feet high with a spread of three to five feet. Cutting off these leaves allows the remaining healthy foliage to receive more nutrients and improves the plant’s appearance. I got a healthy Dieffenbachia a few months back and well, now the plant is all but a collection of dying stems. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I find they start to drop leaves if exposed to too much direct sun. Here’s what we learned and how we fixed it. Let’s look at the most common problems and how to fix them. I hope this information was helpful feel free to contact us if you need more information.. The leaves are reddish brown underneath. Dieffenbachia is one of the easiest indoor houseplants to grow -- and one of the most common indoor plants. I actually had to move one out of a north-facing (ie. So, how can you help a dieffenbachia with yellow, droopy leaves? Dieffenbachia requires moist soil, so water frequently. And it has been blooming for the last 4 years. This acts like an ICU. Re: Dieffenbachia rescue Also forgot to mention that my diffs do much better in medium light, as opposed sitting in the window. Family: Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee) Genus: Dieffenbachia (def-en ... 4' tall) leaf stems broken off and stuck in water which rooted and were repotted, several friends have cuttings. This condition occurs most commonly on dieffenbachias, … Ask an Expert is made up of groups and individual experts. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil begins to dry until the foliage grows back in, then resume normal irrigation practices. plants should be pruned when they have shed enough of the leaves to expose the stems The main culprits include: Dieffenbachia will not tolerate frequent overwatering. Hold off on watering the plant until the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then water thoroughly at the base of the plant. When we first started growing this plant – commonly known as dumb cane – we also had this issue. The plant grows very slowly. Although it may seem simple enough, there’s more to it than just snipping off those leaves. It’s a perennial plant and most cultivars have white speckles on the leaves, though not all cultivars have this feature. To make sure the plant can grow properly, you might want to clean the damaged area, make sure it isn't infe I guess some of the problems could be insufficient light, plant standing in water ( ) or not enough nutrients! How do you know if your plant is root bound? The edges of the leaves of a Dieffenbachia plant usually turn brown from too much plant food or too much salt, fluorine, or chlorine in your water. You only need to worry when you experience excess yellowing or drooping of the upper leaves. Dieffenbachias​ feature pointed, ovate leaves in a variety of combinations of green, cream, and white colors. Dieffenbachia produce flowers seasonally but rarely flower when kept as indoor plants. Dieffenbachia Camille - This is one of the best-known dieffenbachia plants. Also, is it too soon to be putting in new perennials(full sun)? For more information, see our article on removing dying leaves from house plants. Dieffenbachias come in a number of cultivars with different sizes, colors, and variegation patterns. If you don’t notice a change, lack of nutrients may not be the problem. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Home owners love the plant because it grows easily in low light conditions and fills a corner of a room to give a natural look. These plants can also produce sap that can cause painful irritation when touched. How do I reroot it? Dieffenbachia adds fun color and texture without flowers. Never grow dieffenbachia in a south-facing window, as it will provide too much sunlight for this tropical plant. Placing the plant in direct or full sunlight will scorch the leaves. Repot rootbound dieffenbachia immediately in a larger container. You can also divide the plant and repot into smaller containers. Once I can ... Q. Dieffenbachia Plant Dying - My Dieffenbachia leaves keep turning yellow then fall. Brown leaf tips can be caused by a number of things. Dieffenbachia’s lower leaves may droop and turn yellow as part of the normal growth pattern. Droopy leaves are usually a sign that the plant needs to be watered. These plants earned their nickname because of the effect of calcium oxalate, a toxin in their leaves. It's better to have the soil, on the dry side a little bit not on a soggy side. To maintain a healthy plant you should be giving indirect bright light.. Keep it away from direct sunlight during the middle of the day and early afternoon when the suns is at its hottest. Or if necessary, move it a few feet back from the window to filter some of the light. The Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) is an extremely common houseplant. Broken Dieffenbachia. You only need to worry when you experience excess yellowing or drooping of the upper leaves. Too much water will cause leaves to turn yellow, droop, and eventually drop off all together. Dieffenbachia, Dumbcane, Dumb Cane 'Compacta' Dieffenbachia seguine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Direct sunlight will raise the temperature in the bag and cook the plant. If your plant snapped and broken, it will repair itself, regrowing from the broken point. First, make sure your plant lives in the proper potting medium. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It can also cause loss of speech and the sap or juice from the stems can also irritate the skin. They are generally green with splashes or blotches of creamy white, although cultivars have expanded the palette to include yellow. The foliage entails elliptical shaped leaves however the colors can vary greatly between type. I’m Cindy and welcome to Houseplant Help! Depending on the cultivar, the thick, large leaves are usually some mixture of green, white, and yellow. Overwatering, low temperature, and too much sun can also cause the stem to turn yellow – similarly to the leaves. Should I remove yellow leaves? Consistently low temperatures or sudden changes in temperature will cause dieffenbachia leaves to droop and turn yellow. Pour a glass of water and place the dieffenbachia cuttings into it. Why does my Dieffenbachia have a yellow stem? There are two bacterial diseases and four fungal diseases that growers most often report in their greenhouse environments. Other cultivars can grow to be qu… Asked July 15, 2014, 5:14 PM EDT. A less common cause for yellow and droopy leaves is severe infestation of mites or aphids. Click here to see our favorite houseplant fertilizer on Amazon. Inspect your plant thoroughly for pests. You can remove damaged or yellow leaves by gently pulling them off or snipping off with garden shears if they’re resistant. Why Anthurium Leaves Have Brown Spots & What to Do About It, Top 10 Best Houseplants for Allergy Sufferers, 11 Best Indoor Flowers for Beginners: Easy to Grow Bloomers, How to Save a Drooping Nerve Plant (Fittonia) in 3 Steps, 1:1:1 potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. Dust this part of the neck lightly with rooting hormone. It is grown worldwide as an ornamental house plant. Rooting Dieffenbachia Plants in Water This is a relatively quicker and easier process: Simply cut 4-6″ inches long stem sections and remove the leaves. Remove brown and dying leaves from your house plants as soon as possible, but only if they’re more than 50 percent damaged. Rootbound plants have roots that form a dense ball and keep the shape of the pot when lifted out. If the leaves yellow as part of the natural growth process, you can leave them on until they drop off on their own. If you are looking for a bushy, lush variety this might be a good fit for you. To prevent the plant from wilting or going into shock from losing part or all of its root system, place the plant under a dome or inside a Zip Lock bag to create added humidity. Most dieffenbachia plants should be fed every two weeks in the summer, monthly in the spring and fall, and never in the winter. For your question on perennials see CSU Extension website for fact sheet 7.402, it should have the information you need on planting your perennials. The outside of the stem will have some callusing on it where the old leaves were attached. Dieffenbachia performs best in one of the following: Once you have the correct potting medium, make sure you feed your plant adequately – but not too much. … Click here to learn more about me. How to Feed Dieffenbachia All the leaves are gone and the new ones die before growing completely. Dieffenbachia, or dumb cane, is a tropical plant that is native to Central and South America. Dieffenbachia grows best with soil that’s not overly moist. Dieffenbachia is especially prone to becoming root bound – along with other woody plants like rubber plant and dracaena. Should You Cut Off Dying Leaves from Your House Plants? Dieffenbachia (also known as dumb cane) is a popular houseplant grown for its large, showy leaves. Failure to provide your dieffenbachia with essential nutrients may cause leaf yellowing – also known as chlorosis. Root bound means that the roots have completely taken up the space in the pot – i.e. How do I reroot it? The leaves of this plant are small, and they are creamy yellow in color with a green border. This article provides guidelines to identify and treat diseases that may be encountered during the commercial production of Dieffenbachia. This method is sometimes called “drench then dry.”. The Spruce / Krystal Slagle So how do you fix it? Dieffenbachia is also known as the dumb cane because the stems and leaves contain a chemical that will sting and burn the mouth for weeks if it comes in contact with the tender flesh. If you just touch a dieffenbachia or rub it on your arm or whatever, without breaking the integrity of the leaf, you’re not going to have a problem. These plants in the Dieffenbachia family are natives of Central and South American jungles. One of the most common species, Dieffenbachia Camilla is characterized by oval shaped leaves with a pointed apex. least sunny) window because it was starting to suffer. If the stem or leaves are chewed, they will cause swelling and pain in the mouth—and, therefore, temporary speechlessness. Dieffenbachia requires less water when producing fewer leaves. Hopefully by now, you will see the start of some leaves. Dieffenbachia can grow in heavy shade, but too much sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow and droop. Overwatering is the most common cause of yellowing and dropping leaves. It is native to the tropics. Your plant should return to its former beauty soon. After applying fertilizer, foliage should appear greener within three to four days. It is very attractive, with large white flecked leaves growing on a straight stem. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Dieffenbachia plants are easily identified by their leaves, which are large and typically yellow to green in color. This will indicate that it has produced some roots. Take a knife or your fingernails and scrape off that callus as you would scrape a carrot only halfway up until you have a nice green stem. If you suspect your plant is too cold, move to a warmer window or area of the home not susceptible to drafts. Too much plant food: Fertilize only when the plant is actively producing new leaves. The leaves can be oval … A large piece of my dieffenbachia plant broke off. Never allow dieffenbachia to become waterlogged. The other way would be, after washing away any soil on the stem, is to use a rooting compound (powder) and planting the stem to a depth of half its length into sterile potting soil mixed with about one-quarter perlite to ensure good drainage. After planting in sterile potting soil, water the soil lightly to settle it. This tropical shrub shows off lush leaves that are usually marked in shades of cream, yellow, or white, making dieffenbachia a top pick for brightening dim corners indoors. The dieffenbachia, or dumbcane, is a vigorously growing, tropical evergreen plant that is often found in the indoor environment. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light – although it can also survive in dark areas of your home with slower growth. Dieffenbachia needs a complete houseplant fertilizer – such as 20-20-20 – applied once every four to six weeks during active growth. They look like the plant is very ... Q. Plants grown in low light require less frequent feeding – maybe once every 8-10 weeks. In some cases, you may have to dispose of the plant completely if treatment does not get rid of the infestation. Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant’s leaves, and be careful not to damage the stem during removal. Never use water that has passed through a water softener; it is too salty. Learning to properly water your plant is more art than science, but you’ll get a feel for it after a while. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Root rot will also be a problem in waterlogged plants. It produces large, thick leaves that are often variegated with stripes or spots. Rinse the soil with distilled water to get rid of any unwanted chemicals and salts. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out before watering again. If you see this happening, refer to the troubleshooting tips below. This plant can grow quite large in the right setting (6 to 10 feet tall in its native Brazil, for example), but offers smaller sizes, too. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Use toothpicks to keep the bag from touching the stem. A large, well-grown dieffenbachia can reach 10 feet, with leaves 20 inches long. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Q. Dieffenbachia - The leaves on my Dieffenbachia are turning brown and also the new leaves. According to the University of Illinois Extension, nutrient deficiencies may occur due to insufficient amounts or nutrients in the soil or unavailability due to high soil pH. Leave the plant in the bag for two to four weeks or until you are able to tug gently on the plant without it coming out of the soil. Place in the new potting mix. Philodendron plants usually have large leaves that are lobed or deeply cut. Another false belief about Dieffenbachia's is that they need very little light. Your plant is called a Dieffenbachia. If left unpruned, the plant will resemble a palm tree. Even a drafty area of the home can adversely affect dieffenbachia. On the other hand, the Maculata variety has oval-shaped leaves, which are glossy and are marked with pale green or almost white-colored spots. It is also one of the easiest to care for. Next, make sure the plant is getting bright, indirect sunlight and the temperature is above 50 degrees F. There are several reasons that your dieffenbachia might be experiencing discoloration or losing leaves. Dieffenbachia is an attractive house plant. Put the bagged plant in a well lighted area, but don't let it get any direct sunlight. Don't over water it. the root system is too large for the growing container. When plants have extensive root development and remain in a too-small pot, leaves may yellow, droop, and drop. If you can insert your finger into the soil and it’s dry to your first knuckle, the plant needs water. Dieffenbachia’s lower leaves may droop and turn yellow as part of the normal growth pattern. Allow the soil to become dry to the touch before watering, keep temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F, and keep the plant in bright but indirect sunlight. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The leaves are green with light yellow or cream blotches arranged in a variety … For the best results, water the plant thoroughly, and then wait until the potting soil is dry to the touch before watering again. Avoid both over- and under-watering for dieffenbachia to thrive. Minimize irrigation as the foliage grows back on the plant. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole in the bottom (that isn’t blocked) to avoid standing water. The name “dumb cane” comes from the fact that the plant’s leaves contain raphides, which can poison you and leave you unable to speak for a period of time. If your plant is infested, first isolate it to prevent spreading to other houseplants. These cookies do not store any personal information. Type Of Houseplant - I believe I have a dumb cane plant, but maybe not. As tropical plants, they’re adapted to life on the forest floor – where it’s shady and not too hot. Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) is a resilient plant, easy to maintain, and can recover quickly from damage. Treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the type of pest. We’ve used it for years with success on our dieffenbachia and other foliage plants. ... Hopefully by now, you will see the start of some leaves. After planting in a suitable container and potting medium, water thoroughly and fertilize. When this happens, simply remove the drooping leaves by pinching or cutting them off. You’ll notice roots are growing out of the drainage hole or even up through the top of the soil. Dieffenbachia is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, but can sometimes have problems with yellow, droopy leaves. The plant grows best at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F. Never allow temperatures to drop below 55 degrees F. If the leaves droop and fall off without yellowing first, this is often a sign that the temperature is too cold. Empty the drainage tray after watering so the soil doesn't reabsorb the excess moisture. Dieffenbachia Care Guide Light.