How to grow Dieffenbachia (spotted dumb cane) in water? Methods and precautions
Dieffenbachia has relatively large leaves and very bright colors, with extremely high ornamental value, so many plant-loving friends will grow a pot of it at home. It can be grown in soil, and it can also be grown in soil, but most friends like growing it in water, and it is said that this way the ornamental effect is even better. Below is an introduction to its water culture method and the specific precautions.
Dieffenbachia water culture method
1. Plant selection
To grow Dieffenbachia in water, you naturally need to first select a good plant. Generally there are now mainly two methods: taking branch cuttings from a planted Dieffenbachia and rooting them in water, which can sprout new roots in about 10 days. You can also use the root-washing water culture method, which means washing the roots of a soil-grown Dieffenbachia and then growing it in water. You can rinse it repeatedly under running tap water, but be careful not to damage the roots.
2. Water quality selection
The water source for Dieffenbachia water culture and care should be disinfected tap water that meets national drinking water standards.
3. Water amount selection
For root-washed Dieffenbachia, no nutrient solution is needed in the early stage of water culture. This is because the roots are injured (they will inevitably be injured to some extent when the soil is removed), and the water should not be added too much; it is enough to just slightly submerge the roots. The water quality should be clean, and it is best to choose rainwater or tap water that has been left to stand.
4. Use of nutrient solution
For Dieffenbachia in water culture, nutrient solution can be added after about 3 weeks. The first time it should be a small amount, and afterward it can be applied as appropriate according to growth. The pH value of the water culture nutrient solution is 6.0 to 7.0, and its height in the bottle should not exceed 50% of the root height. Replace with fresh nutrient solution 1 to 2 times per week. The higher the ambient temperature, the higher the frequency of replacing the fresh nutrient solution should be. This is because the amount of dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution should be increased as much as possible.
Precautions during water culture
Dieffenbachia likes relatively high humidity and dislikes dryness. During the growth period, water should be sprayed on the stems and leaves frequently.
Reasons Dieffenbachia grows slowly
1. Caused by light: Although it relatively likes warm and sunny places, it must not be exposed to direct strong light. After being exposed to strong light, its leaves will become lusterless, and its growth will also be affected, resulting in what we call growing too slowly.
2. Caused by soil: During its growth process, soil should also be very important, as it is its foundation, so when choosing soil, you must choose some that meets its growth requirements.
3. Caused by fertilizer: From June to October each year, it enters its growth period, which is also the period of its most vigorous growth. At this time it needs a very large amount of nutrients. If this cannot be satisfied, then its growth will slow down.
4. Caused by pests and diseases: During growth, it is unavoidable to be attacked by diseases, and this will directly hinder its growth and make it slow.
Solutions for slow growth of Dieffenbachia
1. The most basic condition for the growth of any plant is light. If there is not enough light, the plant's ability to absorb nutrients will weaken, metabolism will slow down, and thus its growth will stagnate. At this time, you must give it appropriate sunlight exposure.
2. If the chosen soil does not drain well, or is not loose and fertile enough, then it will also affect its normal growth. So we need to find some relatively fertile soil with good drainage. In addition, when choosing a flowerpot, also check its drainage.
3. During the growth period, sufficient fertilizer is needed. Generally at this time we need to apply fertilizer once about every 10 days. After entering autumn, another 2 applications of phosphorus fertilizer can be made. Only in this way can its growth needs be met and can it grow normally.
4. If diseases appear, we must promptly observe our plant to see whether diseases have appeared. If so, we need to use some methods to eliminate them promptly, so that its growth can recover.
It seems that to make Dieffenbachia grow well, a lot of effort is still needed. When your Dieffenbachia shows the above situation of slow growth, we can treat the symptoms according to the signs, and it should be solved. Moreover, today we also introduced the water culture method. Friends who like it should take action quickly.