Oerstedii Dieffenbachia

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

3 - 10 Feet

Mature Spread

2 - 3 Feet

Feature

Low Maintenance

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. 

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