John&Jacq~s Garden

Posted by Jacqueline on December 1st, 2006 in Plants database

• Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia species.
• Common Name: Dumb Cane, Spotted Dumbcane, Leopard Lily
• Family name: Araceae
• Plant type: Indoor ornamental foliage/shrub
• Brief plant info: Prefers semi shade, needing lots of water
• More plant info and images: Check here and here for dieffenbachia/dumbcane facts, culture and images!

We had always known that Dieffenbachia are very toxic plants and had been warned repeatedly never to ingest its leaves or else we’d become dumb! Of course, we’re not that hungry to be fools!! Whatever, these plants had always attracted us with their beautiful foliage and are definitely irresistable and a must have for our garden! Besides adding colour, they’re great for landscaping too!

And we have quite a number of them as seen in our Dumb Cane set. Some of the cultivars are Dieffenbachia Maculata, D. Amoena ‘Tropic Snow’, D. ‘Star Bright’, D. Bowmannii ‘Carriere’ and other yet to be identified cultivars! Our oldest Dumbcane (D. Maculata) planted about 5 years ago is reaching the sky so to speak, towering about 9 feet tall! Hmm…have to stand on a high stool to wipe its leaves, so we normally use the garden hose and shower it every week!

Dieffenbachia is one of the most spectacular houseplants and is grown chiefly for its large, variegated, leafy foliage. There are so many cultivars with leaves varying in formation and in degree of variegation and color. They are tough, easily maintained and withstand the indoors well. Furthermore, in spite of its toxicity, they’re useful plants for cleaning and purifying our indoor air. Just love them!!

Updates -

March 31, 2007 – Do you know that Dieffenbachia flowers?

February 25, 2008 – Dieffenbachia Bowmannii ‘Carriere’ is such a floriferous cultivar that has not cease to amaze us since it first flowered last March. Flowers every third month, each time with 4-5 blooms and flowers are long-lasting, almost 2 months. Amazing!!

Tags: air cleaning plants, foliage plants, indoor plants, outdoor plants, perennials, variegated plants