Clean leaves regularly with a damp cloth. If the plant becomes leggy, cut it back to 6 inches from the soil line. And sudden changes from low to high light levels usually inflict sunburn on leaves. Dieffenbachia will not survive constant overwatering. Turn plants occasionally for even growth. Except in autumn and winter, apply a complete fertilizer regularly. Water it when soil feels dry to the touch. It’s happy with standard potting soil, average home temps, and average humidity.

Growing conditions: Dieffenbachia likes filtered light or a northern exposure. Acrid sap from the leaves, if eaten, burns the mouth and throat and may actually paralyze the vocal cords, hence its common name (dumb is an archaic word that means “mute”).

Flowers that look like odd, narrow calla lilies form on mature plants. Young plants generally grow on single stems, but older plants may develop multiple stems. Leaves are variegated in greens and cream colors. Offering generous size, fascinating foliage, and good tolerance of indoor conditions, Dieffenbachia is a fan favorite, especially as a houseplant for darker spaces.

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