Dieffenbachia amoena aka Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow'

Taxonomy

Dieffenbachia amoena, also known as dumbcane, is a popular and hardy shade-loving plant commonly cultivated as a houseplant for its decorative leaves. The plant is a monocot and can grow up to 6 feet in favorable conditions. Its large oblong leaves are cream or light yellow with deep green spots and stripes in bands along the veins and border, and like any other Dieffenbachia, its sap is poisonous. Dieffenbachia amoena 'Tropic Snow' is one of the largest Dieffenbachia plants, with canes that sport large, oblong green leaves variegated with white or cream. Houseplants average about 1.3 m in height, but this robust plant can grow up to 2 m. Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Araceae and is native to the New World Tropics from Mexico and the West Indies south to Argentina. Some species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, especially as houseplants, and have become naturalized on a few tropical islands. Dieffenbachia is a perennial herbaceous plant with straight stem, simple and alternate leaves containing white spots and flecks, making it attractive as indoor foliage. The plant likes high humidity and a draft-free atmosphere and should not be placed in front of an air-conditioner unit or fan. After watering, the leaves become straight and brittle, so if transportation is required, stop watering for a few days to prevent the leaves from breaking. Dieffenbachia was cultivated in England before 1759 and upper Amazon indigenous groups are known to have used their calcium oxalates to make poison arrows. Dieffenbachia flowers can generate large amounts of excess heat which botanists believe attracts potential pollinators to the flower's warmth. However, Dieffenbachia amoena is considered an unresolved name by The Plant List.

Common names

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow'

How to care for Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow'

Difficulty

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow'. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow'’s native range is the Caribbean and tropical South America.


More info:
Wikipedia