Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) Growing Methods and Tips

A neighbor gave me a Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) plant, but because I don't know how to care for it, it has been growing worse and worse. The leaves have turned yellow and become smaller. Recently it has produced a few flower buds, but they look very weak. May I ask, how should a Dumb Cane be cared for?

Answer: 1. The growing temperature for Dumb Cane is 20-30 degrees. In summer when temperatures are high, as long as the soil is kept moist, with frequent misting and shading, it can still grow normally. In winter, the room temperature must not be lower than 5 degrees.

2. It especially loves moisture. During the growing season, not only must the potting soil be moist, but the air humidity must also be no less than 60%. When temperatures are high in summer, misting should be increased to create a relatively cool and humid environment for it. If the room temperature in winter cannot reach 15 degrees, watering should be controlled; under normal circumstances, misting once a week with warm water is sufficient.

4. It can be grown in nutrient soil mixed from leaf mold, peat soil, river sand, and a small amount of fully rotted cake fertilizer. Usually, the pot should be changed once every spring, and the soil can be loosened once a month to keep the potting soil in a well-aerated state.

5. It relatively likes fertilizer. From March to October, a liquid fertilizer should be applied once every half month, and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer should especially be increased, so that the leaves will grow as large as lotus leaves and be smooth and attractive. Fertilization should be stopped when the temperature is below 15 degrees.