Dieffenbachia seguine aka Dumb Cane

Taxonomy

Dieffenbachia seguine, commonly referred to as dumbcane or tuftroot, is a species of houseplant native to the tropical Americas including Mexico, Central America and all the way south to Argentina, as well as the Caribbean. It is an adaptable plant that tends to grow quite fast and can reach 5ft tall with oblong, broad and showy patterned leaves. If left to grow unchecked, Dieffenbachia can become top-heavy and need to be pruned. Its toxic properties have earned it the nickname of “dumb cane plant” – all its parts are poisonous, so it should be kept away from pets and children. Dieffenbachia was already cultivated in England before 1759 and there are records of Amazonian indigenous groups using calcium oxalates to make poison arrows. The flowers of this species produce an excessive amount of heat, believed to be a signal to attract potential pollinators.

Common names

Dumb Cane

How to care for Dumb Cane

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Dumb Cane is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Dumb Cane should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dumb Cane 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 Dumb Cane prefers bright indirect 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 cold period, it is common for Dumb Cane to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Dumb Cane. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Dumb Cane should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Dumb Cane as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Dumb Cane’s native range is the Caribbean and tropical South America.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Dumb Cane with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia