Dumb Cane

Basic Care

Indoor Air Benefits

Propagation

Its large leaves make it effective remover of indoor air pollutants, some species remove formaldehyde and xylene from the surrounding atmosphere.

Dieffenbachia

Stem cuttings, suckers, air-layering at anytime. It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or suckers in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while. To air-layer a plant, take a sharp knife and cut half way through the stem about a foot down from the top. Put a toothpick in the wound sideways, wrap wet sphagnum moss and a plastic bag around the wound secured by either rubber bands or tape. When roots form, cut off below the roots and plant.

Does best in bright indirect light (north or east window). Keep temperatures above 55 degrees (they will tolerate 50 degrees.)  The soil should be allowed to become moderately dry between waterings, then the plant should receive a thorough drenching. Root bound plants may be re potted at any season, using any good potting soil. Clean leaves with a damp sponge to prevent the pores from being clogged with dust.

As the plants get larger, the lower leaves naturally wither and die, creating the 'cane', but this allows the plants energy to be diverted to the production of new top leaves.