Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Variegated Evergreen Houseplant (12cm Pot)

Dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb Cane, is a bold tropical houseplant grown for its large, lance-shaped leaves splashed with cream and pale green against darker green margins. The botanical name is Dieffenbachia seguine, and this variegated form is sold as 'Camilla'.

It grows upright and bushy, building a thick, cane-like stem as it matures, and keeps its leaves all year round as a true evergreen. It copes well with a range of indoor light levels, from bright indirect spots to the darker corners of a hallway or bathroom, which is why it suits living rooms, bedrooms, offices and shaded rooms alike.

This plant is sold in its nursery pot, or with a choice of decorative ceramic, stoneware or galvanised pot covers, which simply hold the nursery pot and are not a change to the plant itself.

Water moderately, letting the top of the compost dry out between waterings, and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser through spring and summer. It enjoys moderate to high humidity, so an occasional misting helps it along, and it should be kept above 15°C and away from cold draughts. All parts of the plant are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten, and the sap can irritate skin and eyes, so keep it out of reach of pets and children and consider wearing gloves when handling or repotting it.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Dumb Cane
• Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia spp.
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 90-150cm in height, 60-90cm wide (variety and conditions dependent)
• Growth Habit: Upright, bold and bushy, with large variegated leaves on a thickening cane-like stem
• Perfect For: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms and offices
• Foliage: Cream and pale green variegated leaves with darker green margins
• Planting Position: Bright to medium indirect light, and tolerant of lower light too; avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves
• Hardiness: Indoor plant only, rated H1a; will not tolerate temperatures below about 15°C or cold draughts
• Maintenance: Water moderately, allow the top of the compost to dry between waterings, and feed monthly in the growing season
• Type: Tropical evergreen houseplant