Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia seguine
A popular tropical foliage houseplant featuring large, oblong, alternating leaves with striking variegated patterns of green, white, and cream, supported by thick, succulent-like stems.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid direct sun exposure to prevent leaf scorching.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
- Growth
- An upright, evergreen perennial subshrub with a moderate growth rate, reaching mature indoor heights of 1 to 2 meters with a spread of around 60 to 90 centimeters.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and maintain consistently moist but well-draining soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the active growing season in spring and summer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid direct sun exposure to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
Soil
Rich, loose, well-draining potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12; typically grown as an indoor houseplant in cooler temperate regions.
Growth habit
An upright, evergreen perennial subshrub with a moderate growth rate, reaching mature indoor heights of 1 to 2 meters with a spread of around 60 to 90 centimeters.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms indoors; produces inconspicuous spadix flowers enclosed by a pale green spathe when mature in tropical conditions.
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings or air layering during the spring and summer active growth period.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to common sap-sucking pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil.
Similar species
Aglaonema and Philodendron species; distinguished by Dieffenbachia's thicker, more robust upright stems and distinct asymmetric leaf variegation patterns.