Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is a perennial and evergreen tropical plant belonging to the Araceae family. Native to the tropical countries of Central and South America and Asia.

Considered one of the favorite houseplants , it is very decorative thanks to the particular shades of its leaves. It is a plant that adapts to the conditions of the houses very easily .

Plant with erect and fleshy stems, Dieffenbachia can grow up to 150cm. The leaves of this beautiful plant can be oval or long and slightly pointed.

The varieties of Dieffenbachia

There are about 30 species of dieffenbachia in nature and all with different shades. The most common varieties are:

• Dieffenbachia Amoena;
• Dieffenbachia Picta or Maculata;
• Dieffenbachia Antioquiensis;
• Dieffenbachia Oerstedii;
• Dieffenbachia the Exotica:
• Dieffenbachia Compacta;
• Dieffenbachia Camilla.

How to grow Dieffenbachia

Exposure: bright, but cannot bear direct sunlight.

Environment: indoor plant

Use: in pot, as a single specimen or in combination with other houseplants.

Minimum temperature: 10 ° C

Soil: well-draining , universal soil lightened with a handful of perlite and with peat to slightly acidify it.

Watering: Water regularly only when the soil is dry. Spray your hair every day in the summer.

Fertilization: every 30 days from April to September, use a fertilizer for green plants .

Repotting: every 2-3 years use a pot of one size more.

Problems and remedies

The most common problems are due to rot, colds and parasites such as cochineal.

For rot it is necessary to put in place a correct watering. For cochineal, systemic insecticides in spray or tablet can be used to insert into the soil of the pot.

Dieffenbachia is poisonous

Every part of the plant, roots, stem and foliage is covered with an irritating sap. Few people know that it is a very poisonous plant. Therefore, it is advisable to use gloves and avoid direct contact.

Curiosity

• The dieffenbachia is named after Johann Friedrich Dieffenbach the curator of the gardens of the Schönbrun palace in Vienna.
• There is a species (not commercialized) called the "mute plant " (Dieffenbachia Seguine) . Once it comes into contact with the tongue, it paralyzes it for a week.