All you need to know about

How to care for
your Dieffenbachia

Overview

The Dieffenbachia—a botanical bad boy with a hint of danger and a touch of tropical flair. Hailing from the steamy jungles of Mexico, South America, and the West Indies, it's the houseplant equivalent of a spicy margarita: vibrant, exotic, and potentially hazardous if you're not careful. With its lush greenery and striking cream-and-white patterns, it's like Mother Nature decided to paint outside the lines.

Now, here's where things get interesting: Dieffenbachias might be low maintenance, but they come with a warning label sharper than a cactus's quills. You see, they're armed with a secret weapon—needle-like calcium oxalate crystals called raphides, capable of delivering a burn worse than a bad breakup. No wonder they're nicknamed "Dumbcane"—one nibble and you'll be too swollen to form coherent sentences, let alone gossip about your nosy neighbor.

So, while these towering beauties may be a risky addition to your plant collection, they sure know how to make a statement. Whether you're looking for a lush tabletop companion or a towering green giant, just remember: with great botanical beauty comes great responsibility. And maybe a pair of gardening gloves.

Dieffenbachia Types

Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow
Dieffenbachia Panther
Dieffenbachia Compacta
Dieffenbachia Camille
Dieffenbachia Maculata
Dieffenbachia Camouflage
Dieffenbachia Seguine

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Other Fun Facts

Dieffenbachia plants flower with similar looking flowers to a Calla Lily or Monstera Deliciosa, but the flowers they produce don’t have a smell or fragrance.
Dieffenbachia are toxic plants that also take toxins out of the air! While it is a seriously toxic plant it also takes toxins out of the air, so your family can breathe easier.
Its name, Dieffenbachia, honours J.F. Dieffenbach, a man who was in charge of the royal palace gardens of Schonbrunn, Vienna in the 1800s. Maybe this will come up in trivia one day.

Plant Care Tips

Care Level

Dieffenbachias are relatively low maintenance plants. The major watchout is to handle them with care when propagating or pruning. Wear garden gloves, use clean, sharp shears and make sure you wash your hands and tools appropriately with soap and water when you’re done. And whatever you do – even if the Dieffenbachia sings its siren song – do not ingest.

Plant Care Tips

Light

Dieffenbachias thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate lower-light areas, but they won’t be as lush or Insta-worthy as the ones that people get envious of. Dieffenbachias really move towards its light source, so you should rotate its pot periodically for balance. If the leaves start to dull, that could be a sign of too much light.

Plant Care Tips

Water

Dieffenbachias like regularly moist soil and don’t like being dried out. Give it the finger or stick test to check the top few inches of the soil to determine whether it needs a good bath. Usually watering once a week during the warmer months and once every two weeks during the winter is a good schedule to adhere to. Like all indoor plants, you’ll want to be mindful of overwatering which can lead to root rot.

Plant Care Tips

Humidity

Dieffenbachias like warm conditions and a humid environment. We suggest pairing it with a humidifier or placing it on top of a tray filled with water and pebbles. Misting is helpful but misting alone won’t sufficiently provide enough humidity.

Plant Care Tips

Temperature

Dieffenbachias thrive in 18 to 23°C conditions, generally preferring warmer conditions.

Plant Care Tips

Pets

You’ve already been warned! This is one plant you definitely don’t want Mittens around.

Plant Care Tips

Care Level

Dieffenbachias are relatively low maintenance plants. The major watchout is to handle them with care when propagating or pruning. Wear garden gloves, use clean, sharp shears and make sure you wash your hands and tools appropriately with soap and water when you’re done. And whatever you do – even if the Dieffenbachia sings its siren song – do not ingest.

Light

Dieffenbachias thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate lower-light areas, but they won’t be as lush or Insta-worthy as the ones that people get envious of. Dieffenbachias really move towards its light source, so you should rotate its pot periodically for balance. If the leaves start to dull, that could be a sign of too much light.

Water

Dieffenbachias like regularly moist soil and don’t like being dried out. Give it the finger or stick test to check the top few inches of the soil to determine whether it needs a good bath. Usually watering once a week during the warmer months and once every two weeks during the winter is a good schedule to adhere to. Like all indoor plants, you’ll want to be mindful of overwatering which can lead to root rot.

Humidity

Dieffenbachias like warm conditions and a humid environment. We suggest pairing it with a humidifier or placing it on top of a tray filled with water and pebbles. Misting is helpful but misting alone won’t sufficiently provide enough humidity.