Basic Care Instructions to Grow the Dieffenbachia ‘Dumb Cane’ plant

Every home has a little, dark corner or maybe an empty shelf that is just waiting to be filled with something. Well, the best thing to fill this space is a little plant that creates an impact so big that it completely transforms your space. The dieffenbachia plant, commonly called the Dumb Cane, is one of the top choices for these empty spots in your home.

Now, if you have a dumb cane in your home, then all you need to do is stick to the care instructions that we are giving in this guide. 

• Light

Dieffenbachia can pretty much handle lots of light, but you know it grows best with bright, indirect sunlight, like near an east or west window. Even if the space is darker, most plants will still hang on and look fine, though growth slows down and stems can get a bit lanky. Also, try to steer clear of full sun, because it can scorch the leaves, and the colors fade faster than you’d expect

• Watering

Give water regularly from spring, all the way into fall, and let the soil dry out about 1 inch down before you water again. In winter, water less frequently. And don’t let it sit wet, so to avoid soggy soil, which often leads to root rot, double-check that the pot has enough drainage holes at the bottom so everything drains out fully after each watering.

• Fertilizing

From March through September, fertilize about every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. If your plant is sitting in low light, fertilize less often. Then, in winter, just stop feeding it.

• Pruning and shaping

As dumb canes mature, lower leaves often fall off on their own, leaving you with chunky stems and that sort of palm-ish look. If you want something fuller, just cut the canes back to the height you want, and then new shoots will come from under the cut. It’s usually best to slice at a 45-degree angle right above a leaf node, and don’t remove more than about a third of the plant’s foliage.

• Leaf care

You need to ensure that the foliage stays glossy. While you’re doing that, it’s also a great chance to look for pests that might be hiding under those big leaves.

Repotting

Since it grows quickly, you may need to repot your Dieffenbachia every year or two. Go up to a pot roughly 2 inches wider and a little deeper than the current one. For larger types like 'Tropic Snow,' it helps to use a heavier container, so it doesn’t tip over easily.