all about dieffenbachia

Plants can make a big difference in interior decoration. Luckily, the number of options to choose from is almost limitless and dieffenbachia is an easy-care species, striking and very suitable for giving prominence in spaces within the home or in the office.

The dieffenbachia plant has tropical-like foliage, which gives homes a visually pleasing touch. This is because it has a wide and oval leaf, with a length that could reach 45 centimeters. Its surface is dark green and a series of asymmetric spots in light green, yellow or white tones stand out on it. On the other hand, there is the completely straight and long stem that, depending on the species, could reach a maximum of 20 meters in height.

This is a plant whose taxonomy indicates that it is part of the kingdom Plantae and, in turn, belongs to the tropical genus of the Araceae family, Aroideae subfamily and Dieffenbachiae tribe. In addition, its family is made up of an average of 30 species that, thanks to its high level of shade tolerance, are usually used indoors in houses, apartments or public establishments.

Also, it is worth mentioning that this popular plant has managed to transcend from the Victorian era to our times, becoming one of the favorites of interior decorators , due to the attractiveness of its tropical foliage, among other aspects.

Next, we present the cultivation method, care techniques and how to carry out a correct multiplication of the main varieties of this plant: dieffenbachia amoena, dieffenbachia maculata, dieffenbachia seguine and dieffenbachia camilla. In the same way, its benefits and properties will be emphasized.

Dieffenbachia cultivation method

Growing dieffenbachia plants requires a specific method, which allows for healthy growth. Let us remember that this is a large species, so the ideal is that the plant called «mother» can be grown outdoors or in a large container. In this way, its roots will be able to develop without limitations and, over time, it will be possible to carry out its multiplication, cutting small stems and growing them in individual pots.

In addition, it is important that the plant grows under several specific conditions, that is, it must be fertilized, watered and cleaned periodically. In this way, the appearance of fungi and pests will be avoided. Likewise, aspects such as exposure to light and room temperature must be taken care of.

Dieffenbachia Care Techniques

Having a dieffenbachia care is not too demanding. The first thing to take into consideration is the issue of ambient temperature. Avoiding, as far as possible, cold snaps. In this sense, the ideal is that the plant during the summer season is in a space of 20 to 30°C, while in the coldest season of the year, what is indicated is a temperature established between 15 and 18°C.

On the other hand, there is the issue of sun exposure. Although plants require solar radiation to carry out their physiological functions correctly, it is also true that it is a type of plant that must be shaded, because excess sun, directly on its leaves and stem could cause severe damage. In fact, it is important to know that the greater the sun exposure, the size of the vein system will be longer.

Also, it is convenient to comment on the cleaning process among the care techniques of this plant. To do this, it is necessary to take a soft cloth and carefully rub it on each of its leaves, to remove accumulated dust particles and enhance the natural shine of the surface of said vegetation. In addition, it is recommended not to use cleaning products, since their chemical composition will possibly clog the stomata or pores of the leaves.

multiplication of dieffenbachia

To carry out the multiplication of dieffenbachia or diefembaquia, as it is also known, you will have to cut a cutting or stem fragment belonging to the plant. To do this, make sure you use a very sharp cutting blade or knife. Also remember to disinfect the tool, in order to avoid the generation of fungi in the plant.

In the same way, you should wear gloves, since it is a poisonous plant, so its sap could cause damage. Next, remove the leaves that surround the piece of stem and cover the lower part of it with hormone powder to improve rooting.

Continue filling a large pot with substrate for growing plants and, with a pencil, make a hole in the soil, in which you must proceed to introduce the cutting to finish compressing the surface. Then, place a bag over the container, without letting it come into contact with the stems, and remove it daily to moisten the substrate. You will need to get rid of the plastic when the shoots have rooted.

Benefits and properties of dieffenbachia

There are several benefits and properties associated with dieffenbachia, which make it one of the main vegetation used indoors. For example, by incorporating this indoor plant with large leaves, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of the air in the rooms, since it effectively absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and, therefore, cleans the air we breathe.

Likewise, it is said that with this plant it is possible to absorb all bad energies, which is why it is used in feng shui, bringing harmony to spaces and relaxation to those who live in them.

In short, it is a plant that, due to its aesthetic characteristics, easy care and cultivation, is usually part of most homes, because it adapts to interiors as it is a type of vegetation suitable for spaces with little illumination.