Other Names: Dumb Cane/Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia
Family: AraceaeGenus: DieffenbachieaeNative: Mexico & tropical parts of Central & South America
Office decor favorites, dieffenbachia are sturdy, perennial, herbaceous plants with straight, cane-like stems, and alternate dark green leafing which is often speckled, mottled or spread over in cream and white. These attractive indoor foliage plants are shade tolerant and easy to care for. They need to be kept away from children and pets because of the poisoning effect of raphides in their leaves, causing toxicity and temporary inability to speak. These plants will grow quickly and easily and often reach a height of four to six feet. Mature plants will bear a small, spear-shaped inflorescence (see pic, courtesy Wikipedia). This one is has very broad, bright white leaves speckled in shades of green and edged in dark green, and is called "Mary".
*Highly rated as an air purifier when grown indoors.
**Sold in a small standing one liter/4.7" plastic container or a large five liter/7.9" plastic container.
***All our plants are grown in organically enriched living soil without the use of any chemical fertilizers, fungicides or pesticides.
Dieffenbachia Mary
GROWING: Re-pot in a larger container or grow in-ground to increase root and foliage growth. Trim off old, drying leaves from time to time and add this as shredded foliage around your plant to increase humus and soil health.
LIGHT: If growing indoors, place in a bright spot with exposure to indirect sunlight/ambient light for at least six hours daily. If growing outdoors, place in semi-shade as exposure to strong direct sunlight will burn the leaves of this plant.
WATERING: Alternate days in summer and twice a week rest of the year. Allow soil to dry out completely between watering events. Never let its roots sit in stagnant water. If growing indoors, ensure that drip trays are emptied regularly.
FERTILIZING: Our plants are sold in organically enriched, NPK+MagSulf strong, potting mixes that would need no additional soil amendments for at least one year. If re-potting/migrating to a larger container, we recommend the use of Mandy's Farm Foliage Plant Potting Mix or one similar to it.