Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia): How to Grow It Thicker and Stronger

Dieffenbachia is an Araceae foliage plant with flat leaves that look very much like a heart, lush and green. There are two reasons it gets this name: first, its flowers resemble a statue of Guanyin, and second, its leaves drip water from the edges when the soil has sufficient moisture. The rhizome of Dieffenbachia is poisonous, and the sap of the leaves is also poisonous, so during care you must be careful not to accidentally eat it. Even though it is poisonous, Dieffenbachia still cannot reduce people's love for it, and it is often kept at home as a potted plant. So how do you grow Dieffenbachia to make it thicker and stronger? Let's take a look together.

1. Soil Conditions

Dieffenbachia is a foliage plant that does not have very high soil requirements. Generally, it can grow well in sandy soil or garden soil with good permeability and good drainage. Of course, base fertilizer in the soil is very important, and it is one of the primary factors related to its growth.

2. Light Conditions

Dieffenbachia likes to grow in a humid and warm climate and is very shade-tolerant, but in order not to affect bud formation during the flowering period, it needs sufficient light during this period, about 4 hours a day. If the light is not adequate, Dieffenbachia will not look beautiful, and the color of the buds will be off.

3. Temperature Conditions

The most suitable temperature for Dieffenbachia growth is around 20-25°C. It is a plant that is not cold-tolerant, and if the temperature is too low, it will stop growing and enter a dormant period. So in winter we had best keep it indoors, and in summer do not place it in direct sunlight for long periods. Spray water on the leaves in time, strengthen air humidity, and let it grow better.

4. Moisture Conditions

No plant can do without water, so reasonable watering is very important. We can judge how to water and how much to water by observing the potting soil. Everyone's home care conditions are different and cannot be generalized: some pots are large, some are small, some are deep, some are shallow, some homes are drier, and some are more humid. When we find that the color of the potting soil is very dry, then it needs watering; if it is very moist, then it does not. Especially in summer, evaporation is relatively fast and the water needed is relatively greater, but remember that it must not become waterlogged, otherwise the roots will rot. You can spray water on the leaves at the right time to keep them moist.

5. Fertilization Techniques

Fertilizing also requires technique. First you must understand clearly whether the plant you are growing likes fertilizer or does not need too much fertilizer. Dieffenbachia likes fertilizer, and basically needs fertilizer 1-2 times every month, mainly nitrogen fertilizer. Especially in summer, the fertilizer requirement is greater, because it grows very vigorously during this period, and the nutrients needed naturally have to keep up. So topdressing is also very necessary. During the vigorous growth period, topdressing is generally needed once every two weeks. Remember not to pour the fertilizer water into the leaf sheaths, as rot can easily occur.

When the temperature drops, after Dieffenbachia enters the dormant period, fertilization should be reduced or even stopped.

If you want Dieffenbachia leaves to be lush green and large, you can appropriately apply a little ferrous sulfate. If you want Dieffenbachia to keep a petite shape, spray paclobutrazol in time when it is only one chi tall, and you can control its growth height very well.

6. Pest and Disease Treatment

If the leaves of Dieffenbachia show white spots or yellowing, grow poorly, and there are web-like objects on the back of the leaves, it is very likely to have been attacked by red spider mites. At this time, deal with it in time. Generally, first wash with dilute soapy water, then rinse with clean water, and keep this up for a few days, and it will be fine.

Summary: If you want to grow Dieffenbachia thick and strong, in addition to meeting the conditions of light, temperature, soil, moisture, and so on, fertilization is the main controlling factor. However, generally a smaller potted plant kept at home is more likable, so hurry up and grow one.