Dieffenbachia (pronounced /difnbæki/)[1] is often a genus of tropical plants inside the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. Members of this genus are well-liked as houseplants because of their tolerance for shade. The name commemorates Ernst Dieffenbach, a German physician.
Dieffenbachia plants can grow outdoors in tropical climates, but specimens kept as houseplants must be kept indoors in the course of the majority of the year outside the tropics. Temperatures below about 5C (40F) can kill the plant. The plant wants light but filtered sunlight via a window is usually adequate. When the plant is brought residence from the nursery, it'll probably have to have repotting. The plant wants moderately moist soil. The soil should be fertilized with either regular liquid fertilizing or fertilizer pellets or spikes. Leaves will periodically roll up and fall off to make way for new leaves. Yellowing from the leaves is commonly a sign of problematic conditions, just like a nutrient deficiency from the soil. Dieffenbachia responds nicely to hot temperatures and dry climates.
Favorable conditions for house plants: Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia amoena (dumbcane) is usually a monocot which can be normally cultivated as a houseplant, for its decorative leaves. It is really a very well-known and hardy shade-loving plant. Its leaves are huge, oblong, and cream or light yellow with deep green spots and stripes in bands along the veins and border. Like any other Dieffenbachia its sap is poisonous.
Dieffenbachia amoena is usually propagated by tip and nodal cuttings. It can attain a height of 6 feet in favourable situation. It likes substantial humidity and a draft-free atmosphere. It really should not be placed in front of an air-conditioner unit or fan. Right after watering its leaf becomes straight and brittle. So if transportation is needed, cease watering for a number of days, to stop the leaves from breaking.
Dieffenbachia seguine can be a species of Dieffenbachia typically kept as an ornamental plant. This plant is native towards Americas from Mexico to Brazil and numerous Caribbean islands. Like all other Dieffenbachia its sap is toxic.
The cells with the Dieffenbachia plant contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals known as raphides. If a leaf is chewed, these crystals could potentially cause a temporary burning sensation and erythema. In uncommon conditions, edema of tissues exposed to the plant are actually reported. Mastication and ingestion normally result in only mild indicators. With both young children and pets, get in touch with with dieffenbachia (commonly from chewing) might cause a host of unpleasant signs and symptoms, which include oral irritation, excessive drooling, and localized swelling. Nevertheless, these results are seldom life-threatening. In most cases, signs or symptoms are mild, and can be effectively treated with analgesic agents, antihistamines, or medical charcoal. Gastric evacuation or lavage is "seldom" indicated Jennifer S. Boyle, MD, PharmD, and Christopher P Holstege, MD, note that, "In a substantial retrospective study of 188 sufferers with plant oxalate exposure, all cases were determined to be minor and all resolved with minor or no therapy."