Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane or leopard lily)

Dieffenbachia

Dumb cane or leopard lily

Light and position

Place dieffenbachia in a fairly light position , but shaded from direct sun . it should not be within range of heat from a radiator or cold draughts from a door or window . the colour of variegated plant will suffer if it has poor light

Temperature range

A dieffenbachia will live in a temperature of 15 C ( 59 F ) but would probably prefer nearer 21 C ( 70 F ) . in higher temperatures it is important to keep up a good level of humidity . a cool , moist atmosphere can be tolerated for a short period , but may cause some falling of the leaves

Moisture is required all year round , but the plant can be watered less in winter than in summer , when tepid water should be used . during spring and summer growth , watering should be generous and frequent .

Feeding

While the diffenbachia is producing new leaf growth it vshould be fred with every watering , using weak liquid fertilizer introduced through the soil . feeding with every other watering is sufficient at other times

Seasonal care :

Light and moisture all year around are vital to the health of this plant . a dark location or cold draughts will result in general decline , spindly growth and loss of leaves . in cold and wet conditions the leaves will brown at the edges . propagation is most successful from stem cuttings. Placed in peat and sand and kept moist and in a high temperature of 21-23 C (70-75 F) the plant requires the most attention receiveing plenty of food and water , during the summer months

Soil :

If the plant seems too large for its pot when purchased , it can be repotted immediately . otherwise , wait until the plant is well established and repot in summer , using an open potting mixture containing loam and peat