The Dieffenbachia is a very easy-care and undemanding houseplant. Nevertheless, some care work requires a bit of tact so that the plant is not damaged.
The Dieffenbachia is not only an attractive houseplant, it also makes it easy for the hobby gardener and proves to be an undemanding plant for beginners. With its decorative leaves, which, depending on the variety, have white to yellow leaf markings, the plant from the tropical rain forest is an ornament for every flower window. So that you can enjoy the exotic beauty for a long time, you need to follow a few basic care instructions, which we would now like to give you along the way.
Water the Dieffenbachia correctly
Before watering, the indoor gardener requires a certain amount of sensitivity, because the Dieffenbachia does not want to be too dry or too wet. Watering should be moderate but regular. The soil must not dry out. It is also important to avoid waterlogging. This attacks the roots and is not tolerated by the Dieffenbachia.
» Tip: Use stale water that is not too cold.
During the cold season, watering is reduced somewhat, but must not be completely absent. In winter the soil can dry out slightly before watering again.
Tropical plants love high humidity. It is therefore advisable to spray the Dieffenbachia with water more often or to ensure a suitable climate in the room with air humidifiers.
In short:
- Water regularly in summer
- The floor must not dry out
- use stale, soft water
- spray often
- Water less in winter
» Tip: If possible, use distilled water to spray the plant. Tap water leaves ugly lime stains on the leaves.
Fertilize the Dieffenbachia correctly
During the growing season between spring and late summer, fertilizer can be applied regularly. Here, commercial liquid fertilizer forGreen plants, such as this one are used here. It is easy to dose and add to the irrigation water. Between April and the beginning of September, the Dieffenbachia can be fertilized every 14 days. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter months, because then the plant rests and also reduces its nutrient uptake.
In short:
- moderate nutritional needs
- Use liquid fertilizer for green plants
- fertilize every 14 days in summer
- Stop fertilizing in winter or greatly reduce it
Do the Dieffenbachia have to be pruned?
In its natural environment, the Dieffenbachia often grows to a height of up to three meters. This will hardly be possible in room culture. Nevertheless, the hybrids cultivated on our flower windows often grow over a meter in height. It can happen that the trunk of older plants gradually wilts. The plant can then be cut back about ten centimeters above the edge of the pot. The same can be done if the plant grows too far up for you. Plants that have been shortened in height will usually sprout again without any problems.
» Tip: Bared shoots can be cut into pieces about five centimeters in size and placed horizontally in the substrate. Roots will sprout within a few weeks at room temperature.
What should be considered when cutting?
The best time to prune the Dieffenbachia is in early spring, before the growing season begins, i.e. in March or early April. Dieffenbachia tolerate pruning very well. The hobby gardener should always work with clean and sharp cutting tools so that the cut edges are clean and there are no entry points for pests and pathogens.
» Warning: All parts of the Dieffenbachia are poisonous. Always wear gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection when cutting.
Overwintering the Dieffenbachia correctly
The plants do not have to be overwintered in the classic sense. They can keep their place at the flower window. Temperatures below 15 degrees are not tolerated. The plants also do not tolerate drafts. Frequent spraying or placing in a saucer filled with pebbles helps against dry heating air. This allows the water to evaporate without endangering the sensitive roots.
Detect diseases and pests
The plants are quite robust. Diseases and pests can usually be traced back to poor care. So arePests on the rise when the room air is too dry. Watering errors, the wrong choice of location or drafts can promote the occurrence of diseases.
❍ Insect infestation:
If the indoor air is too dry, the Dieffenbachia is often attacked by pests. Aphids, scale insects or spider mites can occur. All pests are easy to spot by examining the plant closely.
What to do?
First remove the plant from the flower window so that the pest infestation does not spread to the other green plants. Heavily infested parts of the plant are removed. The plant should now take a shower bath under a hard jet of water. Spraying the Dieffenbachia with soapy water has also proven itself. Dabbing with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol also helps against scale insects.
❍ Diseases:
| Care mistakes | Sequel |
|---|---|
| watered too much |
|
| too cold and dry location |
|