How to Repot Dieffenbachia

A Brazilian plant, dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia species) prefers warm, humid climates. In the United States, the perennial evergreen mostly grows as a houseplant, making it easier for you to provide an ideal environment. Dieffenbachia is known as dumb cane, a reference to its sap, which numbs your throat and mouth if you eat it. The substance is also an eye and skin irritant. Repot your dieffenbachia when the roots begin to poke out of the drainage holes or the plant stops developing because the container is too small.

Airy, loamy potting mix
Container with drainage holes
Gloves
Shears, as needed

Instructions

- 1
  Add a few inches of potting mix to the bottom of a container with drainage holes. Use soil blend rich in organic matter and with peat moss for good drainage. Spring is the best time to repot dieffenbachia.
- 2
  Ease the plant out of its old pot, wearing gloves to prevent your skin from coming in contact with the plant’s sap. Examine the roots and trim any that are broken, discolored or mushy.
- 3
  Place the plant in the new pot. Add or remove soil until the root crown is at the same height as it sat in the old container. Leave 1/4 inch of space between the pot’s rim and the plant’s base to keep water from overflowing during irrigation.
- 4
  Water the repotted plant until excess drips out of the drainage holes. Add more soil to the planter if settling occurs. Irrigate the dieffenbachia every time you put more potting mix in the container.

What Are the Causes of Shallow Roots in a Jade Plant?

How to Install a Glass Lens in a Sungro Fixture

Indoor Growing