Dieffenbachia
CAUTION: Did you know Dumb Cane (especially D. seguine - Tropical Snow) gets its name from the temporary speechlessness that occurs after chewing a piece of the stem. Juices of the plant contain oxalate and other substances that irritate the mucous membranes and cause swelling and inflammation of the tongue and throat. Please take great care around pets and children and great care must be taken not to get the sap on hands.
The National Gardening Association has mentioned that Dieffenbachia is often referred to as “King of Plants”. They are native to the New World Tropics from Mexico and the West Indies south to Argentina and have luxurious foliage. Their leaves fan out various sizes, shapes, styles, and colours from bright green, emerging to yellow and cream. With their dramatic tropical look and bold patterns they have increased their popularity in the UK. In Brazil, Dieffenbachias are thought to remove negative energy. Perhaps because of their air purifying ability.
Care
Big and beautiful foliage plants tend to often have a common problem. Being overwatered. It is important to keep the soil moist at all times around the roots, but not soggy. The best way to balance this is to wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before watering again. For this Dieffenbachia needs to be planted in rich, well-draining soil. They also love humidity and a little mist a few times a week will keep your plant happy.
Another important aspect is to avoid direct sunlight, particularly during the warmer months. Where the larger leaves can handle some sunlight, new growth will burn and shrivel in the sun. Bright to moderate light would be ideal. It is also recommended that you turn your plant now and again to avoid it reaching toward the light on one side, and even the growth.
Some bottom leaves can brown and that is perfectly normal. Just trim these away to keep the plant healthy.
Dieffenbachia can collect water on its leaves and sometimes you can see little drops of water on the floor around it. This is perfectly normal and is called a transpiration process.
Problems
Yellowing leaves - draught or low humidity, possible during overwatering as well
Curling edges and browning - switch to rainwater or tap water kept out overnight
Drooping leaves - underwatered. If some leaves droop and fall off the plant is too cold
Brown tips - overwatering