In What Places Do Dieffenbachia Plants Live?

Growing Dieffenbachias

• Dieffenbachia plants can grow to heights of six feet in the proper conditions, and reach widths of three feet. Although they are tolerant of low light levels, dieffenbachia plants grow best when provided with bright, filtered light from spring through fall. They grow well in most potting mixes, as long as they are provided with proper drainage. Dieffenbachias require moderate to heavy watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry to a depth of approximately one inch between waterings. Dieffenbachia can also be grown successfully outdoors, in areas that mimic its natural environment. Outdoor areas best suited to dieffenbachia growth have shade, filtered sunlight and warm temperatures.

Common Problems

• Dieffenbachias are relatively hardy houseplants, rarely subject to disease when grown indoors, although insects can be a problem. Sticky residue on leaves indicates mealybug or aphid infestation and can be easily controlled with applications of insecticidal soap.

  Root rot and wilting leaves can be a result of under or over-watering, or fertilizer burn. Apply liquid fertilizers at half the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant. The lower sets of dieffenbachia leaves will naturally wilt and fall off as the main stem grows, which some gardeners find unsightly. Cutting the stems to stimulate new growth or re-potting can remedy this.

Air Layering

• Most dieffenbachias grown indoors will eventually lose most of their lower sets of leaves and take on a stalky, leggy form, resembling miniature palm trees. Air layering can help manage this process and keep plants at a small and attractive size. To air layer a dieffenbachia, first remove leaves from an area of one-year-old growth, then make a slanting, one inch long cut, penetrating halfway through the stem. Place a small piece of toothpick in the cut so it won't heal, and secure a small, moistened wad of peat moss to the cut stem, using string, tape or a rubber band. Cover it with clear plastic wrap, and check for roots in approximately one month. The plant can be removed once the bag has completely filled with roots.

Varieties

• Most varieties of dieffenbachia are similar in overall appearance, although they display different colors and patterns of variegation. Tropic Snow varieties, for example, have dark green leaves with light patches along the veins, and Hilo Dieffenbachias have pointy leaves with showy white veins. Camille cultivars have yellow leaves with deep green borders, and Paradise cultivars have green speckled yellow leaves. There are differences in height and growth habit as well; Tiki Dieffenbachias are one of the largest cultivars, whereas Compacta varieties are better suited for small niches in homes or offices.