Easy Tropical Plant To Grow
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light)
Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 3 -10 feet

There are many varieties of Dieffenbachia, and they are all commonly called Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily. Dieffenbachia oerstedii is the only variety to have mainly green leaves. The only markings on the large, deep-green leaves are a creamy white vein down the middle. The name dumb cane comes from its effect on the vocal cords if ingested. This plant has a toxic sap that inhibits speech and causes burns to the mouth and lips. Keep Dieffenbachia out of the reach of children and pets.

Best Locations For Growing Dieffenbachia Oerstedii

Dieffenbachia's large leaves help filter fumes from furnishings, paint, and carpets indoors. Any room with bright filtered light or indirect light will be acceptable to Dieffenbachia. Humidity will be needed in the dry winter months. A daily misting with water or placing a humidity tray under the plant is very helpful. Plants will need to be rotated every week to help them grow straight, as they tend to bend towards a light source.

Dieffenbachia Oerstedii Sunlight Requirements

Dieffenbachia will tolerate a wide range of sunlight when grown indoors. Indirect bright light is best for dimmer winter months. During the sunnier summer months, these tropical plants can be grown in medium light. Dieffenbachia will grow well outdoors for the summer and needs semi-shade to dappled light, similar to its growing conditions in the Caribbean and South American jungles.

Dieffenbachia Oerstedii Care

Propagating Dieffenbachia is a good skill for new gardeners to learn. This plant is easily multiplied by root cuttings, stump cuttings, or cane cuttings. New offset plants can be separated from the mother and planted in their own pot. Once Dieffenbachia begins to get leggy or too tall, the top section can be cut off and planted into a separate pot. Or, if the whole plant needs to be rejuvenated, the main stem can be cut into 6-8-inch sections, and all of those sections can be planted into moist potting soil.

Watering Dieffenbachia Oerstedii

Overwatering is very easy to do with Dieffenbachia. Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry to the touch before watering. When the plant is actively growing during the spring and summer, water more frequently than during the winter months. Always use distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours. Do not use softened water. Most plants do not tolerate the salts and other chemicals in softener pellets.

Feeding Dieffenbachia Oerstedii

Every 4-6 weeks, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or a liquid seaweed formula. Fertilizer diluted at one-quarter strength can also be used at every other watering.

Oerstedii Dieffenbachia Information

Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Average - Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply.

Pet Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: No

Air Purifier: Moderate

Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Fast

Mature Height: 3 -10 feet

Mature Spread: 2-3 feet

Flowering: No

Flower Color(s): None

Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage

Fragrant: No

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver

Foliage Description: Large, and Dark Green with Wide Silver Streaks

Temperature: 65° - 75°F (18° - 24°C)

Humidity: Average (40% - 60%)

Common Name: Oerstedii Dieffenbachia

Other Name(s): Dumb Cane

Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia oerstedii

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Dieffenbachia_Oerstedii-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Oerstedii Dieffenbachia

Best Locations For Growing Dieffenbachia Oerstedii

Dieffenbachia Oerstedii Sunlight Requirements