Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) is suitable for hydroponic growing: a detailed guide to the root-soaking method
Dumb Cane can be grown hydroponically directly, and does not have to be planted in soil. Hydroponic Dumb Cane is very popular with people. If you grow Dumb Cane this way, there will be no soil in your home or office, and the floor will not get dirty. So, how do you soak the roots of Dumb Cane?
Soak the Dumb Cane in water, keep the indoor temperature fairly high, and change the water every few days. After a period of time, it will grow roots, and afterwards you can continue growing it hydroponically or transplant it into soil to grow it! Of course, it is best to do this in spring and summer.
1. The growing temperature for Dumb Cane is 20-30°C, and it can tolerate low temperatures down to 8°C. In summer, when temperatures are high, it can still grow normally as long as the soil is kept moist, water is sprayed frequently, and it is shaded. In winter, the room temperature must not be lower than 5°C. Dumb Cane is an understory plant of tropical rainforests, so its growth requires high humidity, and diffused light is best.
2. It is a shade-tolerant plant that likes a semi-shady environment, so it should be placed in an environment that is both shaded and well ventilated.
3. It especially likes moisture. During the growing season, not only must the potting soil be moist, but the air humidity must also be no lower than 60%. In summer, when temperatures are high, spraying water should be increased to create a relatively cool and humid environment for it. If it is placed in an indoor air-conditioned hall, you must both keep the potting soil moist and spray the leaves with water from time to time. If the winter room temperature cannot reach 15°C, watering should be controlled, otherwise the plant is prone to root rot. Generally, spraying once a week with warm water is enough to keep its leaves dark green.
4. It can be grown in nutrient soil mixed from leaf mold, peat soil, river sand and a small amount of thoroughly composted cake fertilizer. Alternatively, it can be grown hydroponically, but you must take care to prevent root rot and add nutrient solution. Usually, repot once a year in spring, and loosen the soil once a month to keep the potting soil in a well-aerated state.
5. It is relatively fond of fertilizer. From March to October, apply liquid fertilizer once every half month as a top dressing, and the proportion of nitrogen can be appropriately increased. If a little ferrous sulfate can be added, so much the better; the leaves will then grow as large as lotus leaves, smooth and lovely. Fertilizing should stop when the temperature is below 15°C.
How do you soak the roots of Dumb Cane? Dumb Cane can be grown hydroponically by soaking the roots, but you need to pay attention to the method, and you also need to change the water, though you must be able to manage the frequency of water changes well. If you find that the roots are rotting in the water or there are other abnormalities, you must also deal with them promptly.