Dieffenbachia

Other Common Name:  Dumb Cane and Mother in Law plant

Temperature:  60-80 degrees Fahrenheit

Dieffenbachia is the most common house plant there is.  The combination of yellow and greens leaves that come in many patterns make this a very popular plant.

Dieffenbachia plants are happy in anything from bright, indirect light to partial shade.  Keep out of direct sunlight because the leaves will burn easily.  Your free plant will be very easy to grow and will last a long time as long as you keep them away from drafts and cold temperatures.  Like most plants keep in well drainage soil and do not let the soil dry out completely.  The Dieffenbachia is very good at telling you if you are watering too much or not enough, so just pay attention to the leafs.  If the leaves turn all yellow it is not receiving enough water and if they are wilting it is getting too much water.  It will give you some time to find out the right amount of water to give it before it dies.  The leaves eventually will roll up and fall off to make room for the new leaves so don’t freak out.

Dieffenbachia is some times called Dumb cane and the Mother in Law plant. Dieffenbachia gets its nicknames from the milky sap the leaves produce.  If the sap is ingested it may cause your mouth to burn, your tongue will swell up and it can paralyze the vocal cords taking your away your voice.  I can totally relate to the mother in law nickname, I’m not sure what is worse loosing my voice because I ate a plant or loosing my voice because my mother in law is over for the weekend and won’t let me talk, and when I do she has to argue with every word that comes out of my mouth.  Hopefully she is not reading this!  All kidding aside this plant will have the same affect on dogs and cats so keep out of reach of animals and children.

The Dieffenbachia grows rather fast so you will probably have to repot it, from time to time.  Dieffenbachia is not only great houseplants but also excellent plants for the office.

Enjoy your Free Plant!