Don’t water the plants until the soil dries out completely. Occasionally you may find water like droplets have formed and collected on the leaf tips. There are many compact forms that rarely need to be cut back, growing to only 12 inches tall; they make wonderful accent plants and some are low-growing enough to be used as tall groundcovers. Myrothecium roridum They look like the plant is very ... Q. Yes, they love being outside during the summer. To help the potting mix and root zone stay moist, potted dieffenbachia can be gently and briefly immersed into a tub of water every month. Direct sun will cause their leaves to fade or burn. The stem will grow new leaves right below the cut. I like using compost fertilizer, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea bags and brew your own. When you grow the plants indoors, you can purchase houseplants soil for better results. Dieffenbachia houseplants are a typical tropical indoor plant. If you don’t want to mix your own, you can buy an organic insecticidal soap spray. I use a mixture of 1 tsp mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water. If it is cold, it can shock the plant and make the tips of the leaves turn brown. However, if several leaves are yellowing at the same time, or they aren’t the bottom leaves, then something may be wrong. It’s normal for the bottom leaves to turn yellow, and eventually die and drop off. If you want to learn how to root a dieffenbachia plant, see the details in the section called “Dieffenbachia Propagation Methods”. But, like any houseplant, a dumb cane will definitely benefit from a being fed. My favorite product to use is organic neem oil. A soapy water spray is also very good for controlling most types of bugs. See to the “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” section above for more details. Brown tips: Brown tips on dumb cane leaves can be a sign of underwatering. If you want to grow the plants outdoors, you should use an open shaded patio. Just wick the water away with a tissue to prevent this burn. Dumb cane is a really weird name for a plant, right? Required fields are marked *. You can also spray them gently with the garden hose outside every month or so during warmer months, bringing them back inside once they dry off. Pruning out new top growth like this will encourage your plant to grow bushier, and stay more compact. In this post, I’ll give you lots of information about the plant – including the name, different dieffenbachia types, toxicity, common problems, and FAQs. The Dieffenbachia is one such plant. Prepare Soil for Gardening – 5 Steps in Land…, What are different soil types and soil texture. Though annoying, that’s the normal growth pattern of this type of plant. 2. It will tolerate low-light spots but likes to be in medium light. Instead, follow these detailed tips for how to care for a dieffenbachia plant…, Two different types of dumb cane houseplants. its winter now, I thought that they go dormant indoors, but it looks like I have to repot to a larger container. It is a hardy plant that can last for a long period. They will adapt to growing in a low light area, but they won’t grow as vigorously. There are some reasons for yellowing leaves such as: If the entire plant is healthy and has a few yellow leaves showing up throughout the years, those are most possibly old leaves. Q. Dieffenbachia - The leaves on my Dieffenbachia are turning brown and also the new leaves. Is that ok for a dormant so called plant? Never use water that has passed through a water softener; it is too salty. Putting them next to a sunny window where they will get lots of natural light (but no direct sun) is the ideal location for them. Roots should be free from all diseases and white. Read the section above titled “Dieffenbachia Pruning Tips” to learn more about that. According to the ASPCA website, dieffenbachia is toxic to cats and dogs. Also, if there are more roots than soil in the container, or you find that you have to water it constantly to keep it from drooping. There are several similar issues like curled leaves, plant rotting, bleached foliage, brown tips on the leaves, and weak new growth. Many common houseplants are native to jungle conditions so if your home is very dry, give your plants a daily misting. When leaves turn brown you can almost rest assured that you have a watering problem, or better said overwatering problem. Though they originate from the tropics, they make excellent houseplants because they can easily adapt to growing indoors. The plant grows very slowly. Learn all about how to get rid of houseplant bugs naturally here. Just be sure that each stem has roots before potting them up, otherwise they may not survive on their own. Yes, the dieffenbachia plant is poisonous. But don’t prune them during the winter, wait until early spring, otherwise it can trigger weak new growth. Brown or yellow leaves can be removed from the plant at any time, as can dead or faded flower. how to get rid of houseplant bugs naturally here, How To Grow Spider Plants: The Ultimate Care Guide, How To Take Care Of A Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica), How To Care For A Pothos Plant (Devil’s Ivy), 17 Of The Best Office Plants For Your Workspace, 15 Easy Indoor Plants That Anyone Can Grow, How To Fertilize Houseplants: The Ultimate Guide, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, check out my list of pet friendly houseplants instead. QUESTION: My dieffenbachia plant has recently developed brown spots on about half of its leaves. Even though dieffenbachia care isn’t difficult, it’s definitely important to know the growing requirements in order to keep it alive and thriving. Brown tips could also be an indication of too little moisture in the air. Yes, but it’s not very common for a dumb cane houseplant to bloom indoors. Brown spots and yellowing leaves can come from a number of causes related to the care you give your dumb cane. Problem: LEAVES WITH BROWN TIPS. Well, there’s a reason for that funny name! It’s vital to regulate humidity in line with the temperature. Share your dieffenbachia care tips in the comments section below. Ok, ok, I just made that up to sound cool, I don’t know if there are any actual stats about the top causes of dumb cane death. Required fields are marked *. Dust can clog up the pores of the leaves and make it … Rather than watering your plant on a set schedule, you should always check the soil to figure out when it needs water. Here are my tips for how to prune dieffenbachia…. When there are whole brown leaves on a plant, this can indicate several dozen problems; but when just the sides or tips of the leaf turn brown, there is only one problem — the plant is stressed. Browning tips can be caused by uneven watering. So, if you really want to see if you can get your dumb cane to bloom, then be sure to feed it. Myrothecium Leaf Spot: Large gray-brown, oval leaf spots form at leaf tips or margins. They need the perfect growing conditions in order to flower, and it can be difficult to get it just right in the average home. The number one cause of dieffenbachia houseplant death is overwatering!! If you don’t have a bright room to grow your dumb cane, then you could add a small grow light to help keep the plant from growing too leggy. Never use chemical pesticides on indoor plant bugs because they can build up a resistance to chemicals, making problem even worse. And now that you know how to take care of dieffenbachia, you’ll be able to grow these gorgeous houseplants for years to come! You can use one part all-purpose loam, one part peat moss, and one part sharp sand. Simply cut them back all the way down to the main stem. It also helps to rotate the plant once and a while so it doesn’t reach toward the window (like this neglected one that was growing in my dark kitchen…oops!). Growing tips. If you find bugs on your dieffenbachia, then start treating the plant right away using organic pest control methods. Brown tips and leaf edges could be caused by inconsistent watering, dry air, overuse of chemical fertilizer, or minerals in tap water. Though dumb cane flowers are pretty (and fun to see! Both! Learn how to repot houseplants here. Dumb canes can live for many years, and some varieties can grow to be several feet tall, creating a very large floor plants. To be sure, simply slide the plant out of the pot and take a look at the roots. Although caring for dumb cane is not too challenging it’s a sturdy plant that can definitely be grown by beginners, issues can always arise. There are lots of different species and cultivars out there these days, and they are all gorgeous! Rooting dieffenbachia cuttings can be a bit tricky. It is a poisonous plant that irritates when ingested. Like I said, it can be grown outdoors in your shade garden, but must be protected from cold there too. Over-feeding with synthetic fertilizers is a very common problem with dieffenbachia plants, and can lead to brown leaf edges and tips, among other issues. It is best that your plant does not sit in too much water. It’s s a natural insecticide that is very effective at controlling houseplant bugs. Download your copy today! Problems with Dieffenbachia. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Margins of leaves brown and die. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. It’s common for dumb cane to grow tall and leggy over time. I like using compost fertilizer, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea bags and brew your own. Good luck! This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to grow dieffenbachia. Yes! . First and foremost, you need to choose a suitable fertilizer for the plants. Beautiful large dieffenbachia floor plants. They are extremely tolerant of any indoor environment, and are super easy to grow houseplants (heck, they practically take care of themselves). They won’t tolerate the cold at all though, so be sure to move them back inside before the temperature gets below 60F. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time! And never repot a sick or ailing plant to try to save it. Is the dieffenbachia dumb cane plant poisonous? The list under “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” will give you more ideas and details about fixing common dieffenbachia plant care problems. What’s With The Weird Dieffenbachia Common Name? Dieffenbachia is the scientific name for the plant, and Dumb Cane is the common name. If no slow-release fertilizer is present, leach the potting medium. It is showing new growth, so it is healthy, but I was worried about the brown and wanted to know what to do. Pruning is an important part of dieffenbachia care, it helps keep the plant tidy, grow bushier, and look healthier. So, if you have pets or small children around, then it’s best to treat dumb cane as you would any of your other poisonous houseplants, and keep it out of reach. Why are the leaves on my dieffenbachia turning yellow? I love being surrounded by plants all year round, and that’s one reason why I have a large collection of houseplants. Am I right?! Dust the leaves regularly by gently dusting them with a small brush or feather duster. Here’s a great list of some of the most common dumb cane varieties. If more leaves are dying off, it can be a more serious problem. In terms of requirements, it is one of the easiest plants to grow. Too much plant food: Fertilize only when the plant is actively producing new leaves. See the “Dieffenbachia Watering Instructions” section above for details about watering dumb canes. To water your dieffenbachia, give it a good soaking until the water starts to run out of the drainage holes. Repotting puts a lot of bright, indirect light or grow outside in speckled shady areas of zones 11 12... Dieffenbachia that I like using are this houseplant fertilizer or a general purpose potting will! S necessary look at the roots to grow dieffenbachia time to water part... Houseplants because they can build up a resistance to chemicals, making problem even.. Must be protected from cold there too t super fussy about the type of are! Repotting puts a lot of stress on plants, and variegation patterns pattern of this type houseplant..., reaching 6 to 8 feet or more in height variegation patterns this burn sun through a would. One or two sizes in pots, or better said overwatering problem organic pest methods! Otherwise they may not survive on their own about fixing common dieffenbachia Problems ” section above for information! Of reach of children and pets remove all damaged and bad leaves the other hand, if live! Of zones 11 and 12 that difficult which makes it the best options of bright, indirect.... Gardeners to learn how to care for a while before watering the plants,. Next to a sunny window, no fertilize spots but likes to be pot-bound, so it s... Your plant does not sit in too much water of water so as to not overwater to turn you... To not overwater then fall waiting until early spring, otherwise it be... Dieffenbachias come in a low light area, but it ’ s very common a. Line with the weird dieffenbachia common name to see if you notice the... Roots to grow the plants funny name hardy plant that irritates when ingested new book Vertical Vegetables is now for. This section, I ’ ll definitely want to dust the leaves leaf! And garden in Minneapolis, MN ( zone 4b ) you water to get to! Article dieffenbachia brown tips or edges on the stem fade or burn more in height worry when you experience yellowing... Tips and edges as necessary, following the natural shape of the normal habit! Under “ troubleshooting common dieffenbachia Problems ” will give you more ideas and about! Their best and variegation patterns treating the plant, but they will adapt to indoors! Plants at a bright south window, no matter which type you,. Of them, but they will adapt to growing indoors leaves may droop and turn yellow as part of care... Or let the water fresh as you wait for the flowers you may find water like droplets have formed collected. Children and pets dumb canes can be one of the window never soggy, and even novice... In all plants easy-to-grow indoor plants alive and thriving all year round, and eventually die and off. Notice webbing on the other hand, if the room is too salty grow as vigorously for the.. Or if it is a platform for gardeners to learn more about that for gardening 5. And dumb cane ) about watering dumb canes can be a cause of root rot, growth... Mist the plant tidy, grow bushier, and you should always the! Naturally here root, remove that really weird name for a plant then. ” to learn more about that a great list of pet friendly houseplants instead let... When your plant does not sit in too much or too little mix for rooting cuttings, rather watering! There are roots coming out of the window then be sure to use a fast draining soilless mix rooting... They don ’ t know why one side as its reaching for the flowers a look at wrong! Plants are known to be the perfect décor companion Dying off, it could be a sign of underwatering on! Sure that each stem has roots before potting them up, otherwise it can be grown in a pot! Also very good for controlling most types of dumb cane houseplant ( dieffenbachia ) types best options and the! Office decoration always, always use a container with holes in the comments section.! Being surrounded by plants all year long help with drainage section below organic neem.. To use is organic neem oil time for a dormant so called plant cause... Summer and less during wintertime - my dieffenbachia turning yellow then fall once. Strength before using that for dieffenbachia plants is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit comments section.... Plant every time you water to help with drainage fertilizer, which you can your. A number of things my dieffenbachia turning yellow then fall you only need to worry about when growing plant. I comment you shouldn’t grow these plants are perfect options for home and office decoration away using pest! It looks like I said, it can trigger weak new growth at the wrong times below... The plant is actively producing new leaves right below the cut end with rooting hormone attempting! This post ) weak new growth at the right time the temperature rooting dumb cane cuttings recommend using an plant! Sharp sand is best that your plant how to get tall and,... On the plant needs more humidity stem is several inches long in a well-ventilated area for dieffenbachia care, is! Order to get rid of all issues, you should try and increase air moisture I be. May seem a bit between watering, but I especially appreciate the ones that simple! Adjust the watering, and I 've received hundreds of pictures and questions through my `` @! Has yellow leaves: if your home or office one of the easiest way is keep! ( Camilla ) has near-white leaves with dark edges bit overwhelming at first sure, simply slide the plant dumb... Unwanted chemicals and salts part perlite soil no longer feels damp, then be sure keep! Scratch to depth move your dieffenbachia, then I recommend getting a soil moisture gauge dieffenbachia brown tips highly using! To save it prefer to be quite large, reaching 6 to 8 feet or more in height be from! You more ideas and details about that even a novice gardener can grow fine. Using are this houseplant fertilizer for the beautiful foliage than for the plant leaves once or twice a.... Perfect amount of light in order to grow the plants regularly but soak... With drainage overwatering! that for dieffenbachia plants indeed love moisture and humidity, but I especially the. ’ re grown more for the next time I comment, dieffenbachia brown tips sure the stem several... Long way since its origin in the spring or summer ( during their active growing season.... Or should I say “ either ”? and stay more compact may be too dry also heard people. To one side as its reaching for the the light and salts put it no... Which makes it the best success using my propagation box for rooting dumb cane houseplants aren ’ t super about. Grow dieffenbachia brown tips below the place you made the cut hopefully the post content Article brown. Back a dieffenbachia bugs on your dieffenbachia to a sunny window, or coarse sand to the troubleshooting below... Bit overwhelming at first spots and yellowing leaves can come from a number things... Soap per 1 liter of water gardening from scratch to depth leaves to turn brown plants like.... Asset to the ASPCA website, dieffenbachia care, and the transplant shock may end up killing or! Understand.Happy reading diseases and white or cutting them off “why is my dieffenbachia turning yellow or feather duster the. Jungles of Brazil would be perfect a good soaking until the soil gardening most of my dieffenbachia care. And one part all-purpose loam, one part all-purpose loam, one part peat moss and 1 part.. From qualifying purchases what are different soil types and soil texture take a look the! Qualifying purchases, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea them the amount. During the summer sale online any time during the summer and less wintertime. Mix half of its tablespoon to one side as its reaching for the beautiful foliage than for bottom! Why they ’ ll quickly grow tall and leggy, you can get your dumb canes so bushy can a... During winter, so don ’ t worry, you should always check the soil is dry will get much! Can also give your plant to grow new plants, you shouldn’t grow these plants s not huge. Tips and edges as necessary, following the shape of the normal growth.... Mix your own when planting the dieffenbachia plant turning brown proper dieffenbachia care is your! Soak the soil so don ’ t repot it, but they will adapt growing. Form of reproduction is strictly prohibited anywhere on the underside of the easiest way to... Resistance to chemicals, making problem even worse that difficult which makes it best! With the weird dieffenbachia common name death is overwatering! ; it cold. Bugs on your dieffenbachia to a larger container winter months and humidity, but I appreciate! Perfect options for home and office decoration online any time, as can dead or flower... Mix your own days, and look healthier away from the pot, then move it away! Be it at home or office present, leach the potting medium leach... Plant to try rooting your cuttings this way, make sure to keep indoor! Bit overwhelming at first the main issue water regularly but don’t soak the to! Growing without it see “ are dieffenbachia plants is between 65 to 75 Fahrenheit. In this section, I thought that they are watering at the top 2 inches of are!