Common
name: "Dumb Cane"
Latin name: Dieffenbachia amoena 'Tropic
Snow'
Native
to: Man made
Growth habit: An upright plant. When young it
will have leaves to the soil line. As the plant matures it will develop a
trunk with foliage near the top of the trunks.
Flowers: Yes, unsightly.
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical. Pests: Watch for aphids
Lighting:
Pictured
Houseplant:
8" Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow
Cultural
information: "Dumb Cane" received it's name
from the Oxalic acids in it's leaves... which can render you speechless.
Visit the Poisonous
Plants page to learn more. "Tropic Snow" has
been around for a long time... but it's somewhat difficult to
find. When shopping for a plant look for one that has multiple
plant in the pot an thick stems.
Place your "Dumb Cane" in a bright area just out of
direct sunshine. Check weekly for water allowing the soil to dry a
few inches down from the top of the pot. Feed bi-monthly. As your
plant ages it may loose lower foliage and begin to look leggy. If
your plant has multiple plants in the pot... some of the shorter
canes should be cut back at varying heights. This will make the
plant produce suckers at the soil line and branch out at the
cuts... creating a new full plant.
