Dieffenbachia, or “Dumb Cane,” as it has been called, claims a native range from Mexico south to Argentina (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieffenbachia). The plant we call dieffenbachia is actually a collection of many separate species, all grouped into the genus Dieffenbachia. In other words, there are many species of dieffenbachia. It’s a unique plant, in that tasting it’s toxic leaves (not advised, FYI) causes swelling of the mouth and throat and difficulty speaking. This explains the common name: “Dumb Cane.”
Dieffenbachia plants are very easy to grow. Light requirements are are not extremely high, a factor partly responsible for their indoor popularity (VanZile, 2021). Ensure your dieffenbachia has indirect sunlight and and it will be happy. Water needs are also quite modest; in fact, your dieffenbachia will suffer if you over-water it. Do not water until the top inch or two of soil has significantly dried out. Fertilization should be limited to the growing season (exclude the winter). A balanced fertilizer applied at half strength monthly should do the trick.
If you’ve never been a plant parent before, a dieffenbachia will help you develop skill; and if you’ve grown house plants for years, you may keep one around for it’s beauty! Observe the water, light, and fertilization pointers above, keep any old leaves trimmed away, and enjoy the natural beauty of your own dieffenbachia!
Sources
Badgett, B. (2021). Growing a Dumbcane Dieffenbachia — How to Care for a Dieffenbachia Plant. Retrieved 7/26/21 from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
Dieffenbachia (2021). Retrieved 7/26/21 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia Care: Growing the Dumb Cane Plant (2021). Retrieved 7/26/21 from https://plantcaretoday.com/dieffenbachia-plant-care.html
VanZile, J. (2021). How to Grow a Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane). Retrieved 7/26/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/dumb-cane-dieffenbachia-definition-1902751