How to Groom a Dieffenbachia Plant

Dieffenbachia, also called dumb cane, is a houseplant with large glossy leaves that are marked with a variety of patterns and colors. They reach heights of up to 6 feet tall, depending upon the cultivar and container size, and require little care to do well. They grow quickly with exposure to bright light, but will also survive in shade. Dieffenbachia plants require regular grooming to maintain a healthy appearance and to promote the development of new foliage.

Rubber gloves
Pruning shears
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Put on rubber gloves before grooming dieffenbachia plants because the sap they release sometimes causes skin irritation.
- 2
  Snip off yellow, dead or damaged foliage anytime that it is observed.
- 3
  Trim back growth that extends several inches beyond the top or sides of the other leaves to maintain a uniform appearance.
- 4
  Cut back approximately one-fourth of the innermost growth if the lower leaves begin to turn yellow from lack of light.
- 5
  Remove any flower buds that may develop, as they aren't showy and drain energy from foliage growth.
- 6
  Prune stems back to a height of 6 inches if the majority of leaves drop from their bases.
- 7
  Pinch new growth back when it appears to promote denser foliage.
- 8
  Feed with balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, at half the suggested rate, after pruning heavily.

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