About
This tropical, evergreen perennial to 90cm tall, with lance-shaped leaves to 40cm long. The leaves are white to pale green with irregular dark green blotches; grow in a bright position out of direct sun for the best leaf variegation.
About the genus
Dieffenbachia are evergreen perennials with large, ovate leaves which are usually attractively mottled with white or yellow; flowering spathes are seldom produced in cultivation
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light with high humidity. In growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly; mist daily to increase humidity. Water sparingly and admit full light in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by stem tip cuttings or take stem sections, each with a growth bud, and lay flat on the surface of the compost at 25°C. Can also be propagated by air layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally-disease free