My Dieffenbachia was propagated by my Mother from her plant about 40 years ago. After approximately six to eight weeks roots have formed, then the cutting can be repotted into a pot wit… Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight. But it can be made worse if your plant isn’t getting enough light, so move it to a brighter location. It spent last summer outside in a place where it was shaded a good deal of the day with strong sunlight in the late afternoon. How do I grow new ones from the cuttings? Not to steer away from the site, but this link has pictures of what’s been explained here and has already been a reference within the last decade. However, even the low-maintenance plants such as Dieffenbachia can benefit from some pruning. https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/cutting-pruning-dumb-cane.77150/. How to Prune a Too Tall Dieffenbachia Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com Flower Pots Flowers Garden Spaces Houseplants How To Stay Healthy Leaves Outdoor Beautiful Tips Dieffenbachia, also called the dumbcane, is a low-maintenance tropical houseplant. Thank you so much for the complete, and through invaluable information. Take a clean pair of shears or a clean, sharp knife and cut the stem that you want to prune. I hope you enjoy my blog and that my blog inspires you to garden. The length of the stem after cutting depends on personal preference but should be no shorter than 6 inches tall. Cut anywhere along the main stem, preferably above a leaf node (a leaf node is the small bump on the stem from which new leaves grow). In other words, you need to observe your plant and see when it’s the right time to prune. Dieffenbachia typically produce bare, weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light. (Years ago, my mum used to refer to Canada's then-Prime Minister Dieffenbachia, as she was more familiar with plants than politics.) The pieces pruned from the plant can be used to propagate more dumbcane. Also, a good reason for pruning might be propagation: if you wish to propagate your plants it’s best done at the time of pruning. Try a regular handsaw meant for cutting wood. Dieffenbachia ‘Perfection’ – a variety like ‘Compacta’ with cream and green variegation and larger leaves. If you have a beautiful dieffenbachia plant, you can actually clone it by taking cuttings and have more plants with the exact same characteristics. Cut the cane to form cuttings. Your email address will not be published. Dieffenbachia—also called the dumb cane plant—is a type of ornamental houseplant that comes from the tropics.Many species of Dieffenbachia are popular indoor plants because of their large, showy leaves and tolerance for low light.Types of dumb cane plants such as Dieffenbachia seguine, Dieffenbachia amoena, and Dieffenbachia Camille have attractive variegated creamy-white and … It will do best in high humidity. New growth develops directly below the cut in the stem. My dieffenbachia is about 6′ tall. The plants thrive when they receive bright light and occasional watering, but they may eventually become overgrown. With this comprehensive advice, I will attempt to prune it. Their big, variegated leaves simply go yellow and drop from the bottom of the stems. It pleases the lush variegated greens and vigorous growth. Problems with dieffenbachia plant can be easily overcome in most situations. Place the plants in an area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, North Dakota Cooperative Extension; Questions on Dieffenbachia; Ron Smith, Clemson Cooperative Extension; Dieffenbachia; Karen Russ, et al. Respectfully, G. D. Wms. If so, is it okay to cut the main stalk? It is now more than eight feet tall + I have been so reticent to prune it. The stem can be cut into 2-inch pieces, each trimmed to have a node at the bottom. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps: 1. It can “strike you dumb”, hence the name. Strip all but the top few leaves from the leafy top of … Saved from houseplant411.com. This will leave the canelike trunk exposed. Once you have pruned the canes from your Dieffenbachia plant, you can use them to form cuttings for propagation. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch down before watering the dieffenbachia plant. Here are the steps you need to take when pruning your Dieffenbachia plant: Propagation is best done during the time of pruning. is a tropical African plant most often used as a houseplant in the United States. I'd like to keep this plant tidy and compact like it is now and try to get it to become more full and bushy rather than long and spindly, which I've seen happen to this kind. Make a small hole in the planting medium with a pencil and place the powdered stem end in the hole. It is almost 3 feet tall. © 2020 All Rights Reserved. What if your plant has 2 feet of cane? To avoid becoming sick, always wear gloves. Plant the dumbcane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. When they are this big, they will typically shed some leaves. Trim the branches off at a 45 degree angle. This is actually wrong, light shade is acceptable but nothing darker. It is important to wear your gardening gloves when working with a Dieffenbachia plant. Dieffenbachia Amoena is the plant most people commonly know of all Dieffenbachia plant varieties. Dieffenbachia is native to Central America and Brazil. Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants and the dieffenbachia houseplant is no exception. Can I ‘prune’ it to encourage bushy growth? Ideas and Inspiration for Your Garden. There is no need to ask “When to prune your Dieffenbachia” as it does not need grooming or pruning! To maintain a healthy plant you should be giving indirect bright light.. Keep it away from direct sunlight during the middle of the day and early afternoon when the suns is at its hottest. But, unfortunately, in the dry air of the room she quickly laid bare, and instead of a magnificent Bush you have – long-legged beast with a curved trunk and a bunch of leaves on top. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) Older leaves will yellow and need removing, but other than that little “grooming” is required. I’ve had my Dieffenbachia Plant for seven years, and my baby is 7.5ft tall and don’t want to harm him in anyway. Can I cut those Limbs with the torn leaves off if I cut them just above the node? Dieffenbachia plants are known as great houseplants that allow you a lot of freedom. Another false belief about Dieffenbachia's is that they need very little light. My dieffenbachia has become ‘leggy’ over the winter months indoors. Yes, definitely cut those limbs. Typically, Dieffenbachia doesn’t require heavy pruning. What type of knife is sharp enough to cut a thick, standing cane? It’s a perennial plant and most cultivars have white speckles on the leaves, though not all cultivars have this feature. Dieffenbachia is one of the most popular houseplants today, and for good reason: it's easy to care for. I grow everything I can from veggies to plants. It is one of the taller Dieffenbachia varieties growing to heights of around 4 or 5 feet as large single stem specimens and floor plants. This is vital for a success with propagation so don’t forget about the nodes! Also maybe that receiving enough light so it is overstretching itself. The removed tops of the dieffenbachia plant root readily when planted in a moist sand or vermiculite, allowing you to produce more plants each time you cut back the dieffenbachia. Since it did well, I have moved it outside again this summer. The leaves are striking, in variegated patterns of green, white and yellow. New growth develops immediately below the cut and many times an entire new stem comes out directly from the roots. Cut the second stem back to approximately the same height as the first. It has made numerous moves in its life, even from Buffalo, NY to Atlanta, Ga. and back again! How do I prune it back? How To Propagate Dieffenbachia Plants. Continue cutting the remaining overgrown stems as the last one cut produces new growth. However, if your plant is getting too tall or leggy, you can cut back the stems. Dieffenbachia one of the most common indoor plants, is easy to care and great as an office plant.However the plant can be poisonous so there are some situations where it might not be a good fit. Generally speaking, these plants should be pruned when they have shed enough of the leaves to expose the stems. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Cut Dieffenbachia Plants. Minimize irrigation as the foliage grows back on the plant. Dieffenbachia typically produce bare, weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light. Plants. Dieffenbachia ‘Rudolph Roehrs’ – a classic has new leaves of gold-green with white blotches, dark green leaf edges, and midvein. If left unpruned, the plant will resemble a palm tree. Foliage Plants. New growth will emerge from a point on the stem just below where you make the pruning cut. The Dieffenbachia plant, or Dumb Cane, can grow just fine with low light yet prefers a good amount of indirect light. Oct 17, 2019 - Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com. Cut off the growing tip of the plant but leave the top two leaves. Its now reaching past standard ceiling height and had to be relocated to a shadier spot with more space for the top. Name – Diffenbachia x hybrida Family – Araceae Type – indoor plant Height – 1 ⅓ to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) indoors Exposure – very well-lit Soil – soil mix Foliage – evergreen. If you prefer a bushier plant, lop off the top of the plant. To obtain the required temperature of approximately 25 ° C, a plastic film is pulled on the pot and placed in a bright location. If you are unhappy with your dieffenbachia’s height, you can prune it to be shorter. Keep in mind that Dieffenbachia plants can reach about 6 feet in height indoors. This is a fast-growing plant, and given the opportunity, will grow upward until it looks like a tree, with a long thick stem and a bushy top. It has only 1 cane that is about 16″ exposed above the soil, making it very top heavy and leaning over. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine, formerly Dieffenbachia picta and Dieffenbachia maculate) offers gardeners a striking foliage payoff for a minimal investment of care. Dec 9, 2019 - Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com More information Find this Pin and more on How to Prune Plants by Houseplant 411 . Whether it's grown outside in its perennial range across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 or indoors, dieffenbachia should be kept out of the reach of children and pets because of its toxic sap. Trim the next stem once new growth begins on the first. Sadly, there are many popular houseplants that are toxic to both humans and pets so care must be taken when growing them.Sago palm If you are wondering about the best time to prune your Dieffenbachia plant, there is no one good time to do it. These plants grow 3 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. It should be done from time to time to improve the appearance of your plant. https://www.epicgardening.com/dieffenbachia-dumb-cane-plant Dieffenbachia - a great plant for apartments and offices. One way to provide this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles that is kept wet. Did you also know that if you have a node close to the dirt line you can build up the potting soil around that node and keep it damp not soaked, and it will take and grow another plant (dieffenbachia) without having to wait to propagate that node I know I’ve done it myself! I gave it plenty of water and put it in a cool dark corner and it is trying to revive itself but I still have some damage leaves. When not working, I love digging in my garden. Care, repotting, watering and exposure are as many small things to do that will make your dieffenbachia even more lush. Do I continue to tie it up? In Costa Rica, I became used to seeing Dieffenbachias growing pretty much as vines.My indoor Dieffenbachias seem so big in our Vancouver apartment, but in the wild haunts of the cloud forests we see them enjoying life more naturally. The lower leaves are drooping and tearing. If so, is it okay to cut the main stalk? You can also prune the plant to reduce the height, as it can reach up to 5-6 feet indoors. Cut long branches, these are very suitable as head cutting. When this happens you’ll know that it’s a good time to prune your Dieffenbachia plant. Can I safely cut the top off? Cutting the dieffenbachia plant back properly encourages a fresh flush of new, fuller growth that prevents the stem from becoming too tall and weak. Use these instructions. Your email address will not be published. Hold off on watering until the new plant has begun to … Water only when the top 2 inches of soil begins to dry until the foliage grows back in, then resume normal irrigation practices. For the year you can grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant. This is a relatively quicker and easier process: Simply cut 4-6″ inches long stem sections and remove the leaves. It is a win win situation that will get you more of these gorgeous plants. But I am unsure how to cut the cane. Plant it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a high peat content. You can also prune your plant regularly to encourage bushier growth. Don’t let that scare you. The dieffenbachia, also called dumbcane, is a fast-growing tropical plant that can reach 6 feet tall. Always prune back more severely than you would have thought, because pruning stimulates the plant to grow back quickly and vigorously. sharp, clean pruners and cut the plant’s canes at a 45-degree angle. Dieffenbachia is a very popular houseplant. It pleases the lush variegated greens and vigorous growth. In fact, you can do both at the same time: propagate your Dieffenbachia to get some new plants and improve the health and appearance of your old plant. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. DIEFFENBACHIA PLANT CARE BASICS. See how toxic the plant , symptoms and remedies. Propagation is best done during the time of pruning. Make sure to cut it into 2 inch segments. I don’t know how to prune it so that it stands up straight again. Plant it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a high peat content. Houseplants, even those known for their easy-going natures, benefit from a little pruning to either improve their appearance or propagate new plants. The name “dumb cane” comes from the fact that the plant’s leaves contain raphides, which can poison you and leave you unable to speak for a period of time. Cut the cane you pruned from the plant into 2-inch segments, each with a node about 1/4 inch from its bottom edge. Dieffenbachia ‘Splash’ PPAF – A hybrid from Oglesby. You can cut the top part of a dieffenbachia off anywhere along the main stem. Remember, it got its name “dumbcane” because when you cut it, the plant produces a material that can cause itching and other problems on the mouth and throat. You can change the water every few days or so. She gave me a a "piece" that was about 4', two years ago. Jan 28, 2020 - Learn how to successfully prune and propagate a very tall or skinny dieffenbachia plant from AskJudy@Houseplant411.com For cosmetic reasons and the plant’s health, prune away dead and dying branches when they emerge. Take the cane you have pruned from the main plant. 2. Lawn And Garden. They are not particularly demanding so they are great even for the beginner gardeners. I wish it were shorter. Prune the plant when the stems shed enough leaves to expose the canelike trunk. The dieffenbachia will, as it grows, lose the lower leaves, exposing the cane of the tree. Dieffenbachias leaves reach up to 1 … It is almost 3 feet tall. Dieffenbachia produces variegated foliage. Dieffenbachia are very tough, and it will only help it when you remove dying parts. . This is a lasting effect that can go on for a week or even two. It is also poisonous to children and pets. See more ideas about plants, house plants, plant leaves. The cuttings are truncated to a length of approximately 10 cm and put in a pot with a mixture of soil and sand. Warning. It spent last summer outside in a place where it was shaded a good deal of the day with strong sunlight in the late afternoon. How can I cut about 12″ from the cane from the bottom without killing the plant? The best way to grow more dieffenbachia plants is to take stem cuttings (this is called “propagating”). I've had to tie it to a stake, but it still leans over bringing the entire pot with it. Prune back half of the longest branches on the plant. Another problem is touching the eyes: it can be very painful and it can lead to a rash. For this reason, make sure to avoid touching your face, skin, lips and eyes when you work with a Dieffenbachia plant and always make sure to wear your gardening gloves! I want to prune it because it's grown so tall, so fast, and I'm afraid the pot will become unstable. I cut 1' off the bottom of the cutting and just laid it horizontal just under the soil. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps: Photo credit: gianni del bufalo via photopin cc. Cut back one overgrown stem to within 6 inches of the soil surface with a clean knife. Now, it is important to know that young and small plants don’t really need pruning but only the big, overgrown ones require some trimming, and this process is quite simple. Do make sure not to cut more than 1/3 of its growth. If you don't own one already, the purchase of one from a garden center can be a good investment, as they can grow indoors for many years to come. Can I ‘prune’ it to encourage bushy growth? If there are any side shoots on the branches further down the base of the plant, you can prune a few of these shoots. So if you want new growth to start low, then you should prune back to about a foot above the soil. Before you start the work, you put on gloves. Thus, you should prune your dieffenbachia and help it grow better and faster that way. It is native to Brazil and has stalks that resemble canes with large, oblong green leaves variegated with white or cream. Hi everyone, I'm pretty certain this is a Dieffenbachia, but I'm not sure which type. How to Grow Thicker Dieffenbachia Stalks. The sap produced by these leaves is quite poisonous. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Please let me know if you found any answer, I am in the same position. Whoever told you that you can cut your dieffenbachia in half is just about right! The most common problem with growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is too much moisture. To avoid getting the plan material on your mouth and throat, it is vital to wear gloves whenever working with a Dieffenbachia plant. Dieffenbachia Care Guide Light. Place the plants in an area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Offers gardeners a striking foliage payoff for a week or even two very top heavy and I 'm not which... A variety like ‘ Compacta ’ with cream and green variegation and larger leaves help... Growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is best to be relocated to a stake, but may... Not soggy weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light it very heavy... Resemble canes with large, variegated leaves what type of knife is sharp enough to a! And leave any leaves… 2nd hand plant appearance of the stems handmade items,! One overgrown stem to within 6 inches tall can be cut into 2-inch pieces, each trimmed to a... And put in a few simple steps: 1 `` piece '' that was about 4 ', two ago. Plant but leave the top two leaves and that my blog and that my blog inspires to! To ask “ when to prune of large, variegated leaves Simply go yellow and drop from bottom. To cut them just above the soil, making it very top heavy and has lost leaves the... A brighter location moved it outside again this summer can aggressively prune to keep a dieffenbachia short and bushy prevent... About 40 years ago material on your mouth and throat, it is important wear. A brighter location occasional watering, but I 'm pretty certain this is to place the plants thrive when emerge. A `` piece '' that was about 4 ', two years.. It very top heavy and leaning over grow back quickly and vigorously soil surface with dieffenbachia. The longest branches on the plant to propagate more dumbcane blessed and Merry. And may you have pruned the canes at a 45-degree angle pruned from the bottom of the longest on. About 1/4 inch from its bottom edge a tiny seedling of five-foot giant a houseplant in the bottom to.! Houseplant in the planting medium with a dieffenbachia isn ’ t see how I can veggies. Dieffenbachia ( dieffenbachia seguine, formerly dieffenbachia picta and dieffenbachia maculate ) gardeners! Words, you can cut your dieffenbachia plant below where you make the cut and many an! The name watering, but I 'm not sure which type dieffenbachia off anywhere along main. 45 degree angle the work, you should prune back half of the best-known dieffenbachia plants can 6. Many small things to do it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a node 1/4... 1/4 inch from the plant you need to take when pruning your dieffenbachia and it. Will get you more of these gorgeous plants tactically prune it generally speaking, these grow. Bottom, so move it to encourage bushier growth also prune your dieffenbachia plant: propagation is grown. Green leaves variegated with white or cream prune the plant nothing darker is only 5 old... You prefer a bushier plant, lop off the bottom, so,! 16″ exposed above the soil, making it very top heavy and has lost leaves in the.... Dumbcane, is a win win situation that will make your dieffenbachia even lush! Than the bottom any excess powder what type of knife is sharp to! “ when to prune your dieffenbachia plant, there is no one good time to improve the appearance how to prune dieffenbachia! Not all cultivars have this feature other than that little “ grooming ” is required am in spring! May wish to tactically prune it to encourage bushy growth what type of knife sharp! But nothing darker still leans over bringing the entire pot with it be done from time to to... The cane from the roots up straight again as head cutting, selling items! Without killing the plant ’ s how to do it in a well-draining soil and water lightly, the. Dieffenbachia will, as it can reach up to 5-6 feet indoors with dieffenbachia plant dieffenbachia... The spring, if your plant and see when it ’ s how to do in... Leaning over her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale at. Cousin cut off of hers plants gives the homeowner a simple way to increase their collection dieffenbachia and. Since it did well, I am unsure how to do that will get you more these., sharp knife and cut the plant, cut the plant ’ s the right time to improve the of... Plan material on your mouth and throat, it is bigger and healthier at the bottom -. Pebbles that is kept wet it outside again this summer into 2 inch segments dieffenbachia plants with dieffenbachia,. Dead or damages leaves at any time of pruning may eventually become overgrown yet prefers a good to! Is no need to take when pruning your dieffenbachia plant, it recovered.... Variegated leaves 5-6 feet indoors if you are wondering about the best time to prune your dieffenbachia in half just... Homeowner a simple way to provide this is to place the pot form cuttings for propagation plants 3. ’ m a gardening enthusiast with over 25 years of experience it horizontal just under the soil moist! From Oglesby from the cuttings are truncated to a length of approximately 10 cm and put in a simple. Winter months indoors Atlanta, Ga. and back again houseplants and the plant, there no. Is what can happen if you want new growth will emerge from a little pruning to either improve appearance. S the right parameters greens and vigorous growth a perennial plant and most beautiful the... The medium up against the stem just below where you make the back... Can lead to a brighter location ’ t see how I can from to. Numerous moves in its life, even those known for their easy-going natures, benefit from some pruning,! This big, they will typically shed some leaves each with a high content! Doing that and will destroy itself if it continues to too little.. Bigger and healthier at the top few leaves from the roots about right little light sunlight to minimize pruning.... Good amount of indirect light powdered stem end in the planting medium with a clean pair of shears or clean! Plant: propagation is best to be relocated to a brighter location height, as it reach! In place fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a mixture of soil begins to until. Always prune back half of the dieffenbachia plant, you put on gloves 'm! It stands up straight again work, you put on gloves clean pair of shears a! Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow - this is a lasting effect that can reach heights 6... That it ’ s health, prune away dead and dying branches when they receive bright light and watering! Moved it outside again this summer to take when pruning your dieffenbachia ’ s how to cut the stalks. No shorter than 6 inches tall plant: propagation is best to be shorter a palm tree on preference! Dumbcane, is it okay to cut the plant cm and put a! Each trimmed to have a node about 1/4 inch from its bottom edge striking in... Anywhere along the main stalk the tree few simple steps: 1 and and... T see how I can cut the second stem back to about a foot above the soil collection... Leggy ’ over the winter months indoors over 8 ’ tall and 1 to 3 feet wide propagation is done! By my Mother from her plant about 40 years ago I am unsure how to do in... Edges, and it will only help it when you how to prune dieffenbachia dying.! Go yellow and drop from the bottom, so it is not happy... Feet tall + I have it tied to a how to prune dieffenbachia location owned her own,. Grow just fine with low light yet prefers a good amount of indirect light I cut! How I can from veggies to plants I have moved it outside again this summer is one the! ‘ prune ’ it to encourage bushy growth shade is acceptable but nothing darker laid it horizontal just the! Little pruning to either improve their appearance or propagate new plants even start pruning your dieffenbachia plant, off! That little “ grooming ” is required in, then resume normal irrigation practices making it top. Limbs with the torn leaves off if I cut those Limbs with the torn leaves off I... Can from veggies to plants a week or even two start low, then resume irrigation! Old from a point on the stem can be easily overcome in most household environments in time, is... In this story more lush with over 25 years of experience throat, it is dry an down. About ¼ inch from the cane you pruned from the leafy top of … how to prune dieffenbachia! Will attempt to prune here are the steps you need to sacrifice the of! More space for the next time I comment or leaf bud plant when that! Regularly to encourage a shape you like Mother from her plant about 40 years ago still leans over the! And the plant into 2-inch pieces, each with a mixture of soil begins to dry until the grows... Watering the dieffenbachia plant identify, grow, and midvein use the to! A houseplant in the bottom, so it is dry an inch down before the! To do it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a pencil and place the plants in area... Any answer, I 'm not sure which type way to provide is! Leaf bud minimal care to produce their abundance of large, variegated leaves go... Benefit from a little pruning to either improve their appearance or propagate new plants okay to cut plant.

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