Dieffenbachia: How to Care for and Grow Your Dumb Cane Plant

Thinking about adding some new greenery to your office plant collection this spring? The Dieffenbachia, also known as the dumb cane plant, is a large, lush, plant that’s a perfect addition to any office or room.

Easy-to-care-for and highly attractive, Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) plants are a popular choice among plant enthusiasts, as well as those just discovering their green thumb. Dumb Cane plants are versatile, ranging from large in size (floor plants) to small (perfect for table or desktops). This timeless plant is a classic, and with so many varieties, there’s certainly something that will fit into your office decor. In this blog post, we’ll share a few different varieties of this plant so you can choose the best for your personal office. We’ll also dive into the best light conditions for the plant, as well as how much water will help your plant thrive. Finally, we’ll talk toxicity, because no one wants their plant to harm a loved one.

Sizes and Varieties

Dieffenbachia comes in many shapes and sizes, as stated above. Do you have a large, shared office that needs plants to spruce it up? There’s a Dieffenbachia plant for you! Perhaps you have a small home office and don’t have a ton of room for floor plants. In that case, there are still varieties that will suit your space. This list of Dieffenbachia varieties is by no means comprehensive. We’ve included a few of the most popular species to get you started with this beautiful plant.

Tropic Snow

Tropic snow is a large size variety of Dieffenbachia, with white and green leaves that add texture to any office. With large leaves, you’ll need a big pot and floor or deck space to help this plant thrive. The Tropic Snow variety of Dumb Cane is a great option for those with large, shared office spaces, or offices that have outdoor space like a deck. These plants provide eye-catching colors and textures while helping to purify the air.

Camille

Another plant with white and green leaves, the Camille variety of Dieffenbachia is smaller and will fit on your desk. The Camille variety of Dumb Cane is great for small offices or desks since it grows upward and has thin, dainty leaves. Add a Camille plant to your desk or shelf and you’ll smile every time you see its unique color patterns! Smaller Dieffenbachia plants also work well in bathrooms, as the humidity helps them thrive.

Sparkles

Sparkles is a great variety of Dieffenbachia for offices, as its small yet attractive. These plants are perfect for small offices and desks, as they’re compact and the leaves grow upward.

How Much Light Do Dieffenbachia Plants Need?

This plant thrives with access to medium light. This plant doesn’t need to be fully exposed to direct light, but don’t want a dark space either. Place your plant on a shelf or on your desk, close to a window but not directly in the sunbeams. Some Dieffenbachia even prefers less light, such as the Camille variety. According to EpicGardening.com, 2 – 5 inches away from a window is a sweet spot for Dieffenbachia.

How Much Water Should I Give My Dumb Cane Plant?

To avoid overwatering your plant, let its soil get quite dry before completely drenching it again. Dieffenbachia also does best with pots with drainage, as root rot is not uncommon with these plants.

How to Tell If You’re Overwatering Your Plant

There are a few different ways to tell if your Dieffenbachia is consuming too much water. Leaves should be green and cream colored. If you notice your Dumb Cane leaves are yellowing and dropping off the bottom, it’s likely that the plant is consuming too much water. If the plant is rotting at the base, it may be overwatered, as well. Don’t forget your pot with drainage, and even better, get to know your plant and how much water it needs. The lush leaves are a huge pay off when you give your plant the proper amount of water!

Are Dieffenbachia Plants Toxic?

While Dumb Cane is common in many households and offices, owners should be careful about toxicity.

Dieffenbachia plants contain needle-shaped oxalate crystals which can harm animals and children if consumed. If your office is child or pet-friendly, Dieffenbachia plants may not be the best option for you. If your office is free of any animals or kids who may try to snag a bite, you should be good to go.

Dieffenbachia Plants Are a Great Addition to Any Office

So what do you think, ready to add a Dieffenbachia to your office? Plants make office spaces more attractive, productive, and enjoyable. What are your favorite plants in your office? Let us know in the comments below!