Dieffenbachia amoena, or Dumb Cane, is a plant widely used for interiorscapes and houseplants. The name Dumb Cane reflects the fact that the acrid sap will burn the mouth and numb the throat to the extent that it may even paralyze the vocal cords. The plant should not be used around small children who are likely to put things in their mouths.
Dieffenbachia – Common but Toxic
Posted by admin on May 29th, 2011
Posted in Inside Ideas 
Tags: Common, Dieffenbachia, Dieffenbachia Amoena, Dumb Cane, Extent, Interiorscapes, Mouths, Sap, Toxic, Vocal Cords
Perhaps a tutorial can be made on how to clone or replicate the plant through the small sprouts that it provides. This is something that greatly interests me, although I’m not sure why, lol. I’ve only seen a friend that does it, and he has these wonderful plants all over his home growing everywhere through this simple cloning process. I would like to do it right, so something explaining this with a little detail would be greatly appreciated, not much on the subject anywhere I’ve noticed
r u people like stupid having that plant in ur house if u have not read online about this plant then keep reading this cause im gonna tell u wat happens when u have this plant in ur home.i had gotten this e-mail yesterday and it sed that by even putting the leaf in ur mouth u could die in an instant.and if u are cutting the plant down use gloves and then wash ur hands cause if u cut it down without any gloves on and then rub ur nose with ur hands or put them in ur mouth then u will gotothehopita
r u people like stupid having that plant in ur house if u have not read online about this plant then keep reading this cause im gonna tell u wat happens when u have this plant in ur home.i had gotten this e-mail yesterday and it sed that by even putting the leaf in ur mouth u could die in an instant.and if u are cutting the plant down use gloves and then wash ur hands cause if u cut it down without any gloves on and then rub ur nose with ur hands or put them in ur mouth then u will gotothehopita
the plant killed my cousin
Thank you for your comment on the Dieffenbachia. Proper watering is most important in the care of your plant. I water mine thoroughly, let it drain out the bottom of your plant. Wait 20 minutes, water it again, then leave it alone for one week. Try to water on the same day at the same time. I don’t think misting is a good idea, as with proper watering, the leaves will retain moisture. Let me know how it goes.
Gorgeous Dieffenbachia! I got mine yesterday and it’s tiny. It was very “sad looking” in the supermarket, but the leaves got back up in my home.
It’s a bit brown at the ends, I don’t think it had proper care. I’m repotting it now.
I saw that I can’t use fertilizer in the autumn, could I still help it with something?
Do you have any tips on keeping the room moist? I spritz it with water in the evening and in the morning, but during the night my room is so dry even my nose ends up dry…
MrGhettoGrower the pot that im using is 6 inches across 5 inches deep i thought that dumb cane plants like to be root bound the plant itself is about 1 foot
@sbgardener5 When you put them in a bigger pot you get more stalks that come off the bottom of the plant. The stalks are smaller and shorter! I sure you know how to clone. You cut the grow site and put it in a cup of water. Or I have just as good luck dipping in this stuff called clonex and stick them in dirt water once then don’t water again till they get going and pert up again!
@dave1234madmax How big of pot? When my was on a 30 gallon when it was 7 feet tall!
@MrGhettoGrower 7′, wow! How did you clone the plant? It is a wonderful houseplant and not too tempermental, as long as it is properly watered. Have you seen my boston fern on youtube? The fern was neglected while we were away, but has come back better than it appears in the video!
@dave1234madmax
Are you using good potting soil? Water it thoroughly, til the water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Wait 20 minutes, water it again. Do this once a week, same day, same time of day. The roots may be too close to the surface due to shallow watering.
i have a small Dieffenbachia at home but it seems to have very small roots and does not seem to be growing there is no yellow levees is that normal
@sbgardener5
Thank you for your note about the diffenbachia plant. I do hope you read my warning about this common house plant. It won’t kill you but can paralyze the vocal chords, that is why I don’t tell my husband!!
This houseplants is terribly dangerous. It is poinsonus. Be careful. Google it!!!!
Great news about your Diffenbachia’s renewal. We were away for several weeks and much to my dismay the houseplants were neglected. The Diffenbachia lost many lower leaves, they were small, yellow and drooping. I moved it back to NO DIRECT SUN, and it is once again thriving. They are amazing plants and recommend them for beginners. I had problems with the Boston Fern, also on this site, but with watering, misting, and kisses, it is lush with green fronds. Happy Gardening!!
My plant is still small and I think I had it for over a year, not much lighting though but it’s doing just fine and it renewed it’s leaves.
We were away for over a month, and this plant did not receive proper watering and sadly I lost several lower leaves. Also, in the video I mention that I moved the plant and it was very unhappy and the color of the leaves began to fade, so it does not like direct light, so be careful. About once every 2 weeks I water it thoroughly, wait 20 minutes and water it again. Yikes, not my idea for a snack either, but I guess pets and babies might find it appetizing!! lol Happy gardening
WOW THATS HUGE!!!! My brother just bought me a small one a few days ago and I cannot believe that you’ve had yours for just a year !! I hope mine becomes that big too. The thing is, I didn’t know they were toxic.
Why would someone eat this ? lol
thanks, petitmacaque.
What?? You ate it?? Yikes, are you talking yet??
its not THAT poisonous
my friend made me eat some. sure it hurts like HELL but you cant die from it
Madam, if I were you, I would not touch this plant without gloves, this plant is one of the most poisonous plants that exist, look for information please