Dieffenbachia seguine
Spotted dumb cane
Also known as Dieffenbachia maculata, Dieffenbachia picta
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a hearty and beautiful plant with strong upright stem and large leaves held on long stems. These arch upwards and outwards in a rather formal manner. The leaves are oblong with wavy edges. They are bright green with white mottling especially apparent near the centre of the leaf. They need moist but well drained rich soil and relish a site with some shade. They should not be allowed to dry out nor put in a cold and draughty position. Note that these are poisonous plants and should not be eaten as they seriously inflame the intestinal tract. They can be pruned back if they get too large and will re-grow. Be careful not to ingest any sap during this process.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 16C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten; skin/eye irritant
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water to keep soil moist
Water regularly, but do not leave the plant sodden or with water in a saucer at its feet. It likes to be dry during the winter months.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Mist the plant daily
Plants which enjoy high humidity should be misted daily. Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Avoid spraying at the height of day or the water can act as a magnifying glass and leaves may be scorched.
Mist the plant daily when in growth, preferably using rain or soft water.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.
Indoor temperature · Planting
16C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 16 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.
Found in
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