About
A tropical, evergreen perennial to 70cm tall, with ovate leaves to 25cm long. The leaves have a dark green margin, fading to light green in the centre of the leaf blade, and a white midrib.
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