Overview
Dieffenbachia oerstedii is a bushy houseplants in the genus Dieffenbachia, part of the Araceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dieffenbachia oerstedii grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplant.
About
Biological samples During the peak flowering season of Dieffenbachia oerstedii (September of 2013), infestation rates and feeding habits of a richardiid fly species that was found associated with the developing inflorescences were evaluated. In the field, we observed the female oviposition behaviour, and developing inflorescences were collected for further examination. Each inflorescence was measured for length and width, and later it was dissected lengthwise to locate any larvae and / or pupae, recording the particular sites where immature stages were found feeding. The pupae were kept in plastic rearing chambers until adult emergence. Dieffenbachia oerstedii ranges from Mexico( Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco) mostly along the Caribbean slope in Central America in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica (where it occurs on both slopes) and west-central Panama. Grow it in partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). It works well for houseplant.
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Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dieffenbachia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Dieffenbachia oerstedii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dieffenbachia oerstedii
- Propagation
- Root tip cuttings, Air layering
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dieffenbachia oerstedii?
Dieffenbachia oerstedii prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dieffenbachia oerstedii need?
Dieffenbachia oerstedii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dieffenbachia oerstedii hardy in the UK?
Dieffenbachia oerstedii has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Dieffenbachia oerstedii?
Root tip cuttings, Air layering.
More in the Dieffenbachia genus
- Dieffenbachia maculata 'Exotica'
- Dieffenbachia seguine 'Caiman'
- Dieffenbachia 'Maroba'
- Dieffenbachia Cool Beauty ('Hazama Cb'PBR) (v)