Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)


Dieffenbachia Plant Features

Dieffenbachia is one of the easiest indoor houseplants to grow -- and one of the most common indoor plants. This tropical shrub shows off lush leaves that are usually marked in shades of cream, yellow, or white, making dieffenbachia a top pick for brightening dim corners indoors. Dieffenbachia adds fun color and texture without flowers. 

Because it grows upright, it's an excellent choice to grow along an empty wall or near a large piece of furniture. It adds flair and drama to bedrooms, dens, offices, and other rooms. 

Dieffenbachia Questions?
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Dieffenbachia Growing Instructions

Just like most tropical houseplants, grow dieffenbachia in a relatively warm, humid spot with plenty of light. That said, dieffenbachia will tolerate low-light spots, as well. If the leaves develop brown tips or edges, the air may be too dry. Remedy this by relocating your dieffenbachia to a well-lit bathroom (or other humid spot), grouping it with other houseplants (which release moisture into the air as they breathe), or set it on a pebble-filled tray of water (so the bottom of the pot rests on the pebbles, above the water to keep the roots from rotting). 

Dieffenbachia plants like regular watering, but they don't ever want the soil to be wet or soggy for extended periods. Because more indoor plants die from over watering than under watering every year, it's best to keep dieffenbachia on the dry side if you're in doubt about whether to water it. 

Fertilizing dieffenbachia encourages it to grow more and faster. At minimum, it's best to fertilize diffenbachia once or twice a year, but you can do so more often if you wish. Use any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer and follow the directions on the packaging. 

Note: Dieffenbachia may be poisonous. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. If you think your pet may have ingested it, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435.
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Low light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Green

    Variegated

    White

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

    Purifies the air


Complement your Dieffenbachia

Croton
In brighter spots, boldly variegated croton foliage adds even more drama and flair to dieffenbachia.

Baby's Tears
Give your dieffenbachia a living mulch of lovely creeping baby's tears.


Our favorite varieties

Snow

Snow

Dieffenbachia 'Snow'

Snow dieffenbachia is a large-growing variety (to 6 feet or more tall) that features dark green leaves variegated with silvery-green and creamy-white speckles.

Exotica

Exotica

Dieffenbachia maculata 'Exotica'

Exotica dieffenbachia is a tall, upright variety with creamy leaves edged in green. The leaves have more green than 'Camille'. It can reach 24 inches tall or more.

Tropic Marianne

Tropic Marianne

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Marianne'

Tropic Marianne dieffenbachia shows off creamy-white leaves strongly variegated with rich green. In good conditions the leaves may be 12 inches wide. Tropic Marianne can reach 36 inches or more tall.