dieffenbachia
( dee - fun - BAK - ee- uh )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Dumb Cane, Mother-In-Law's Tongue, or Leopard Lily, these tropical flowering plants are native to Mexico and the West Indies, south through Argentina. Species are widely cultivated as houseplants. Dumb Cane is tolerant of shady conditions. Take care when planting these beautiful foliage plants in or around your home, as sap is toxic.
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Dieffenbachia Species and Varietals
The genus Dieffenbachia is a member of the Aroid plant family (Araceae) and includes 56 distinct species. The common name 'Dumb Cane' refers to the fact that the plants in the Dieffenbachia genus do not form a vine or grow from a tuber root (as all other members in the Aroid family do), instead growing bamboo-like canes with large leaves attached. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Dieffenbachia seguine (Dumbcane, Leopard Lily, Tuftroot) This species of Dumb Cane has large deep green leaves, and varieties have variegated foliage. Juvenile plants grow to about 3 feet tall, and mature plants can reach 10 feet tall. Flowers produced by these plants are white, and similar in look to Calla Lily or Peace Lily flowers. |
Dieffenbachia Varietals
This group of plants are known for their colorful, variegated foliage and are widely collected as ornamental houseplants.
This group of plants are known for their colorful, variegated foliage and are widely collected as ornamental houseplants.
'Camille'
Ivory-yellow leaves with dark green edges. |
'Camouflage'
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'Carina'
Larger variety with medium-green leaves specked with light and dark green accents. |
'Compacta'
Medium-green leaves specked with cream to white towards the centers. |
'Exotica'
Tall, upright variety with cream-colored leaves edged in green. |
'Mary'
Fast-growing variety with light green leaves splashed with dark and creamy green. |
'Memoria'
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'Panther'
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'Perfection'
Intensely variegated, 8-inch long leaves. |
'Rudolph Roehrs'
Yellow leaves with ivory-colored splotches. |
'Snow'
Plant reaches up to 6 feet tall and has dark green leaves with silver-green and creamy-white specks. |
'Sparkle'
With light green leaves with dark green and white patching. |
'Superba'
Thicker leaves than most other varieties with white variegation. |
'Tiki'
Elongated leaves with dark edges, light green veining and lighter, silvery speckles towards leaf centers. |
'Tropic'
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'Tropic Snow'
Cream-colored leaves with dark green edging and mottling towards the edges. |
Caring for Microsorum
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Colocasia plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:
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Gallery
Videos
Learn about these interesting houseplants.
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An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page
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