Dieffenbachia at home. How Dieffenbachia is grown: care at home, why you can’t keep it at home, photos of species and names. Dieffenbachia Magnificent Dieffenbachia magnifica or Royal Rex

The Dieffenbachia flower is one of the most popular among indoor plants, which is found not only at home, but also in offices, cafes and various institutions. Surely, many gardeners grow or have ever grown Dieffenbachia.

Why did a person like this representative of indoor flora? Everything is quite simple: a beautiful, impressive appearance and ease of care are the key to success. The large, variegated leaves of the plant with a glossy surface and an interesting pattern not only decorate the room, but also do not cause much trouble to care for.

And yet, despite the great popularity of the flower, many myths and prejudices have developed around it that it brings bad luck to the house, that it is dangerous, and that it should not be kept at home at all.

In this article we will figure out whether it is dangerous to grow a plant in an apartment and whether it will bring any problems or not.

Description

Dieffenbachia (Araceae family) is an evergreen shrub that came to us from the tropical forests of the South American continent. The flower received its name in honor of the famous Austrian phytologist and gardener Joseph Dieffenbach.

The plants are quite large in size with a wide, strong stem and splayed leaves. It grows very quickly and can reach up to 2 meters or more in height. However indoor flower It rarely grows to such a height, and depending on the variety, if all the necessary conditions are met, on average it grows up to 1 meter.

This representative of the flora is famous for its beautiful leaves with a thick “spotty” color. Some varieties of the flower have simply green leaves with a central vein, while others are decorated with a fanciful pattern of a lighter shade. Most species have oval elongated leaves.

The plant quickly produces new shoots of leaves, and also quickly sheds old ones. With proper care, new shoots can appear once a week. This property may complicate home care. To prevent the flower from deteriorating its appearance, it must be regularly trimmed or rejuvenated.

The stem is strong and succulent, reminiscent of a tree. In tree-like plants, the growing point is located at the top of the shoot. Dieffenbachia bush has dormant buds at the bottom of the stem, and when they sprout, the flower begins to bush.

Types and varieties

The ancestors of all existing decorative and hybrid varieties are considered to be varieties such as Dieffenbachia spotted and Dieffenbachia variegated (colored).
Dieffenbachia, species of which are adapted to home growing, number from 30 to 50 varieties.
The most popular flower varieties:

Dieffenbachia Seguine	Dieffenbachia Leopoldii	Dieffenbachia Camille	Dieffenbachia amoena

Dieffenbachia Seguine- looks similar to the previous view. The leaves are ovoid in shape and have fewer dots and stripes. The stem is powerful and strong. Refers to the flowering species. The spadix (inflorescence) is large, yellow in color. Homeland - Brazil.

Dieffenbachia Leopoldii– has a short, fleshy stem with beautiful bright green leaves with a light vein. The leaves are large, wide, arranged symmetrically. This is a flowering Dieffenbachia that produces fairly large inflorescences in mid-spring. Homeland: Costa Rica.

Dieffenbachia Camille or Camille spotted (Dieffenbachia Camille)– this large plant reaches two or more meters in height. It has a strong trunk, covered with a thick leafy cover. The leaves have an oblong shape. The color is a thin green edge with a light center. As it grows, the light spot darkens. A heat-loving flower that loves shade and does not tolerate drafts. Homeland - South American tropics.

Lovely Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia Amoena)- similar in appearance to Seguina, only with fewer leaves. A hardy plant, not afraid of dry air and shade. The leaves are large with a rich green color and light oblong stripes. The main enemy of the plant is the spider mite.

Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow	Dieffenbachia White Flame	Dieffenbachia Compacta	Dieffenbachia Ersteda

Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow and Tropic Sun (Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow, Tropic Sun)- plants with rather large leaves of a dark green color. The edges of the leaves are green, in the center of the plate they are decorated with veins and spots of a yellow hue.

Dieffenbachia White Flame- a beautiful, spectacular plant, which is famous for its intricate leaf pattern, reminiscent of tongues of fire. It is a low-growing species; the leaves grow relatively small: no more than 10 cm wide and up to 25 cm long.

Dieffenbachia maculata Compacta- a low-growing plant. It reaches no more than half a meter in length. It has short petioles, bright green leaves, decorated with a white pattern.

Dieffenbachia oerstedii– has large leaves with a pointed tip, shaped like a heart. The color of the plate is green and has a light-colored vein in the center. A heat-loving plant that needs regular spraying. Flowering occurs in April, but it is advisable to trim the buds.

Dieffenbachia Reflector	Dieffenbachia Vesuvius	Dieffenbachia Green Magic	Dieffenbachia Maculata Mars

Dieffenbachia Reflector – beautiful plant with a rather unusual leaf color. The leaf plate is wide, rounded in shape with a sharp end. It is decorated with a central bright vein and spots with a yellow-green tint on a dark green background with a purple tint.

Dieffenbachia Vesuvius- a spectacular flower that is distinguished by its elongated leaf shape. The leaf blade is almost white with a contrasting bright green pattern in the form of small spots.

Dieffenbachia Green Magic is a hybrid bred on the basis of the Ørsted variety. A beautiful, light-loving plant that is best kept on southern or southwestern windows. Green Magic has large heart-shaped leaves of a dark green color with a contrasting vein in the middle.

Dieffenbachia Maculata Mars- a variety that loves moisture, abundant watering, light and warmth, and also categorically does not accept drafts and cold. It has wide leaves and a very variegated light color.

Dieffenbachia Picta– has a lignified thick stem at the bottom and a thick, rich green cap. The leaves can be glossy or matte with a white-cream pattern in the form of dots and specks, quite wide (up to 10 centimeters) and long (up to 40 centimeters), oval in shape with a pointed end. Homeland - South American tropics.

Dieffenbachia mix- refers to one of the most popular varieties. Its wide leaves are light green with a variegated contrasting pattern. The flower loves light and abundant watering.

Bloom

The houseplant Dieffenbachia is mainly grown as an ornamental foliage plant, since its flowers do not have any aesthetic value as such. In addition, not all varieties of shrubs bloom.

Dieffenbachia at home, subject to all necessary conditions care begins to bloom in mid-spring (April-May). How does Dieffenbachia bloom? The bud is an elongated ear with densely dotted small flowers of light yellow color. The inflorescence is covered with a gray-green blanket, which darkens over time.

Flowering takes a lot of energy from the plant, and at this time it stops growing and begins to actively shed its leaves. Therefore, experienced gardeners prefer to cut the buds before they begin to bloom.

After flowering, the cobs and fruits do not fall off on their own, so they must be cut off yourself.

Is it possible to keep Dieffenbachia at home?

People often wonder whether Dieffenbachia can be kept at home? Because it is a poisonous plant. But many flowering varieties, as well as decorative foliage indoor flowers, including Dieffenbachia, are poisonous to one degree or another. But this does not mean that they cannot be kept at home. If all necessary precautions are taken, the flower is not dangerous to the life of an adult. The situation is different with pets and small children. Why can’t you keep Dieffenbachia at home if there is a cat or Small child? The thing is that contact with the plant, especially with its juice, can cause serious poisoning.

Precautionary measures

Absolutely all parts of the flower are poisonous and cause irritation upon contact with skin. Therefore, when caring for a flower, especially when replanting, it is necessary to wear gloves. And then wash your hands thoroughly.

Dieffenbachia: benefits and harms

Despite the fact that this plant is poisonous and requires caution, it has a number of beneficial properties:

• The shrub can significantly improve the composition of the air, purifying it of many toxic substances and reducing the amount of dust. That is why it is recommended to grow it in houses and apartments that are close to highways or factories.
• Possesses bactericidal properties due to the high content of phytoncides.
• Increases air humidity, which is especially important in conditions of central heating in winter.

What dangers can you encounter when growing Dieffenbachia:

• The poison of the flower cannot cause significant damage to the body, the maximum that can be vomiting, mild malaise, and upon contact with skin, allergies or irritation may occur.
• If juice gets on the mucous membrane of the larynx, slight swelling may occur, which will soon go away.
• In isolated cases with individual intolerance milky juice flower may cause acute allergic reactions or heart failure.

Based on the characteristics of the plant described above, certain conclusions can be made about the safety of Dieffenbachia, the benefits and harm to others.

Dieffenbachia, subject to simple precautions, is not much different from other indoor flowers. At the same time, its beautiful appearance will please the eye and improve the microclimate in the room. As for the bad omens and superstitions associated with Dieffenbachia, it is up to everyone to believe in them or not.

The Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, in search of unique and beautiful plants for the imperial botanical garden at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, studied and typed several previously unknown species of tropical flora. He liked the large dark green leaves with contrasting white speckles. So from the South American tropics the flower migrated to all greenhouses and houses. It was named after the surname of the chief gardener of the Imperial Palace Greenhouse in Vienna, Joseph Dieffenbach.

For more than 100 years, the exotic flower has been growing not only in its historical homeland. It decorates apartments and offices all over the world. This plant of the araceae family has never adapted to the cold climate. It still needs warmth, humidity and bright light. This should be taken into account when choosing Dieffenbachia for interior landscaping.

The plant has a thick stem with many large spotted leaves. The shoots are usually located at the top, which is why over time Dieffenbachia becomes like a real tree with a lush, dense rosette at the top and a long bare trunk at the bottom. However, some species have several growth zones and are more like a bush. The height can reach a little over two meters. Like other aroids, it blooms with an ear. At the site of the inflorescence, small berries are formed orange color. At home, this happens extremely rarely; to ensure the plant has a full growing season, it requires very careful and professional care.

Thanks to its large foliage, the plant provides many benefits as a natural air filter. It’s not for nothing that the Amazon rainforest is called the lungs of the planet. The amount of oxygen produced by large-leaf evergreens is colossal.

At the moment, about fifty varieties are known to botany. They all have characteristic feature– toxicity. The fact is that Dieffenbachia juice contains a large amount of caustic enzymes and calcium oxalate crystals.

When it comes into contact with the skin, it causes an allergy, and in case of contact with mucous membranes, it causes a severe burn. Therefore, it is better not to keep the plant in a house where there are animals and small children, and wear rubber gloves when caring for and pruning.

Indoor subspecies

Despite all the variety of varieties of Dieffenbachia, most of them do not take root in captivity. The most resistant to artificial lighting, temperature changes and dry air became the progenitors of decorative indoor varieties.

Name	Description and features of the species
Dieffenbachia spotted (cultivars: Camilla, Tropic Snow, Bauze)	A massive plant up to a meter high with wide lanceolate leaves. The characteristic color is dark green with contrasting light spots, which can range in size from small dots to large veins that occupy almost the entire surface.
Dieffenbachia lovely (Seguina)	A shade-tolerant plant with a large lush rosette of wide (up to 18 cm in diameter) spotted leaves. Unlike its relatives, it tolerates dry air better and is not demanding on the microclimate.
Dieffenbachia Leopolda	It has dark emerald green leaves with a characteristic light stripe along the central vein. In addition, purple specks may appear on the surface and stem. This is a bushy, low-growing plant.
Dieffenbachia Oersted	Bush subspecies with pointed, very light leaves.

You can accurately determine the variety and not confuse it with other plants by comparing it with a photo.

Plant care rules

When growing Dieffenbachia, you should remember that the birthplace of the flower is the tropical rainforest of South America. If you provide it with the appropriate microclimate, it grows quite quickly, producing one new leaf about once a week.

Despite all the whimsical nature of the flower, only a few simple conditions are required, which makes it ideal for an office, a large apartment and the halls of public institutions.

Content Option	Required conditions
Lighting	The more pronounced the pattern, the higher the light requirements of the variety. For plain colors, moderate daylight lighting is sufficient. Direct sunlight should be avoided.
Hydration	Spraying should be done as a daily procedure. To do this, use warm filtered water. Placement near heating appliances is highly undesirable.
Watering	Do not allow a dry lump of earth to form in the pot. The soil should be moist, but not overwatered. Dieffenbachia also does not like dampness.
Temperature	The thermometer should not fall below +17 degrees. For summer, the optimal temperature will be +22-+28 Celsius, for winter: +18-+22
Transfer	Infrequently, in proportion to root growth.
Fertilizer	It is best to feed the plant with nitrogen or complex preparations for indoor tropical plants with decorative leaves. This should be done from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn, once every two weeks, with a half dose of fertilizer, thoroughly diluted in water for irrigation.
The soil	The plant prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil mixtures. Compositions of sand, peat, moss, perlite and crushed bark with charcoal are ideal.
Cultivation	Dieffenbachia needs to be pruned as it grows. The crown with the rosette is separated from the trunk, washed and rooted. The remaining stem is divided into bars with dormant buds. New shoots can be obtained from them.

Dieffenbachia loves space and clean, fresh air. You can take it out onto loggias and verandas in the warm season, but you should not allow drafts or leave it outside during sudden temperature changes at night.

Nuances during transplantation

As the root system grows, the Dieffenbachia will need to be transplanted into a larger pot.

You can determine when the time has come by the following signs:

• New shoots and leaves stopped appearing.
• New leaves are smaller in size.
• When the microclimate is maintained, the soil dries out quickly.

You need to prepare in advance for transplantation, purchase a pot or tub 2-3 centimeters larger in diameter than the previous one.

To form drainage, buy expanded clay, and for backfilling, buy fresh specialized soil.

The optimal time to move a flower is considered to be the beginning of spring. During this period, the plant has not yet emerged from winter rest. Feeding should begin afterward, so as not to awaken the Dieffenbachia ahead of time and not injure it.

Planting a flower in a new container is done as follows:

• A 2-4 cm layer of expanded clay is placed at the bottom of the new pot.
• Dieffenbachia is removed, the blackened and dried roots are carefully cut off, and the cut sites are treated with antiseptic and antifungal agents.
• Place it carefully in a new tub and gradually add fresh sterilized soil along the edges, slightly compacting it.
• Water with settled water at room temperature.

As a rule, young plants need to be replanted approximately once a year. They grow actively, and their root system quickly fills the container. It is enough to rejuvenate older plants when the trunk has grown strongly and become bare.

Rejuvenation

A bare long trunk makes it uncomfortable to care for a plant that requires additional support. In addition, the decorative effect suffers greatly, because instead of a lush bush, a bare stem stretches upward.

There are two ways to return Dieffenbachia to its aesthetic appearance:

• By pinching the growing point on the crown, this will probably awaken the dormant buds on the trunk and force the flower to produce new shoots.
• Trimming the crown and its subsequent rooting. To do this, the top is cut off approximately at a distance of a couple of centimeters from the node in which the dormant buds are located. The oozing stem is blotted dry and sprinkled activated carbon. Then it can be planted in a new pot with loose, non-moisture-absorbing soil. It is important not to overwater a new plant to prevent the root and trunk from rotting before the roots grow. The remaining nodes of the long stem can be divided into cuttings and planted. New Dieffenbachia will grow from them, indistinguishable from the mother one.

Reproduction

It is very difficult to achieve natural flowering and seed ripening at home. Dieffenbachia reproduces well by vegetative means. Cuttings can be obtained at any time after cultivation of an adult plant. It is better to pinch the only growing point for the appearance of layering no earlier than 3-4 years of growth after planting.

It is better to root layerings and cuttings in an improvised greenhouse, which can be replaced by a transparent plastic bag or film.

Errors in care and their signs in the plant

Healthy Dieffenbachia delights owners with juicy, bright, large greens. If cultivation rules are not followed, the plant reports the problem to the appropriate appearance.

Changes	Possible reasons
The ends dry out and crumble	non-compliance with temperature conditions; dry air; draft; violation of moisture drainage at the root; spraying under sunlight and burns.
Fading leaves, loss of contrast	insufficient lighting; excess nitrogen in the soil; lack of phosphorus and potassium.
Small misshapen leaves	Soil is too alkaline
The lower leaves dry out and fall off	cramped potty
Pale and softened stem	Root Rotting
The leaves are curling	low temperature or draft; change in soil salt balance.
Brown edges	cold; overdried earthen lump.
Yellow leaves	exposure to direct sunlight; overdrying of the soil and insufficient spraying; insufficient feeding or, conversely, excess fertilizer.

With proper and sufficient care, Dieffenbachia has good immunity to viruses, fungi, bacteria and pests. However, errors in maintenance or proximity to an infected plant lead to disease. Pathogens must be dealt with in a timely manner. The price of delay may be the death of the flower and infection of other indoor plants.

Any sign indicating weakness of the stem and leaves should be a reason for preventive and treatment measures.

Pathogen	Characteristic signs of infection	Help
Soft rot	The leaves turn pale and wither, the stem cracks at the base, the flower stops growing and looks withered, the soil may smell moldy.	It cannot be cured, but you can try to root the crown or get cuttings from a healthy section of the stem after pruning.
Bacterial leaf infection	Yellow spots with a darkish clear border.	Treat with fungicides.
Late blight	Dark rot rises from the root, the plant weakens and withers.	The flower will have to be completely destroyed.
Anthracnose	Appear weeping dark spots on the leaves.	Cut off the infected parts, make the air drier than usual, systematically treat the remaining healthy leaves and stem with a solution of fungicides.
Aphid	The leaves begin to deform and turn yellow, and a sticky coating appears.	Wash the plant with soapy water and treat with special pesticides or tobacco dust.
Shchitovka	The appearance of light brown plaques on the trunk and sticky discharge.	It is necessary to remove all pests manually, lubricate the affected areas with alcohol or kerosene, and treat the entire plant with insecticides.
Chervets	Cloudy thick discharge on the petioles and in the veins.	Treat with mineral oil and specialized preparations.
Spider mite	Characteristic small brown dots on the leaves, dry areas and a thin cobweb on the cuttings.	Wash with soapy water and spray with a special product.
Thrips	Whitish coloration of individual parts of the plant, withered and drying leaves.	Treat thoroughly and repeatedly with strong insecticides.

Mr. Summer Resident warns: Dieffenbachia is poisonous

The milky sap of the plant is not poisonous. It does not cause severe poisoning, disturbances in the central nervous system or breathing.

However, the high content of bioactive substances can seriously irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Thus, a child or a pet may be harmed by a flower, who, out of curiosity, will break it off or bite it.

This does not threaten your health, but just in case, you need to take measures to prevent the development of chemical burns and allergies.

Growing Dieffenbachia in the house is useful; it perfectly purifies the air, absorbing phenol, formaldehyde and heavy metals from it. The released phytoncides inhibit the spread of viruses and bacteria through the air. Maybe that’s why the flower is so common in the halls of medical institutions.

Caring for and growing Dieffenbachia is a rather complex process that requires certain skills and dexterity. If you approach this event with the utmost care and precision, you can soon get a healthy, strong Dieffenbachia plant that will delight its owner with an attractive appearance and unusually abundant foliage.

To grow Dieffenbachia at home, you should familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics of this plant, as well as the rules of care, watering, fertilizing and replanting. In addition, it is necessary to study in detail the diseases that can affect Dieffenbachia in order to take care of its health in advance or begin timely treatment of a diseased plant. Proper care will allow you to get a healthy specimen that can be used for reproduction or simply grown for your own pleasure.

Description of Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia belongs to the genus of evergreen plants from the Araceae family. Its wild relatives grow in the tropics of North and South America. The plant received its name in honor of the Austrian gardener Joseph Dieffenbach.
The Dieffenbachia indoor flower is a tree-like plant that has an erect trunk and a growth point at its top, which is why many species do not bush, but over time turn into small trees. However, there are forms in which the growth points are also located along the stem, according to which they produce lateral shoots and are shaped like shrubs.

The most remarkable thing about Dieffenbachia is its leaves - juicy, dense, dark green with various light cream patterns - stripes or spots.
The plant blooms very rarely, only if the growing conditions are ideal for it, and the inflorescence is a spadix that appears in the axils of the leaves. The inflorescence is covered in a creamy blanket, which is both protection and decoration. Dieffenbachia blooms for only a few days, and then the inflorescence dries out, and can remain in this state for a long time. At the right conditions Fruits appear from the inflorescences - berries with a bright orange-red color.

It must be remembered that Dieffenbachia, which is grown at home, is a poisonous plant, the juice of which contains a certain amount of needle-sharp crystals of calcium oxalate. They cause dermatitis on the affected area of ​​the skin or mucous membrane, as well as various allergic reactions and irritation. For this reason, it is necessary to keep it away from children or pets, and when cleaning, use protective equipment.

Although the plant is poisonous, its proper cultivation will not only not cause harm, but will also help create a favorable indoor microclimate. Dieffenbachia perfectly filters the air mass, while absorbing harmful impurities of benzene or xylene. For residents of large cities with availability industrial enterprises Growing Dieffenbachia is a must, because it will help clean the air and enrich it with oxygen.

Soil for growing

To grow Dieffenbachia at home, you can use universal soil for indoor plants, since the plant is not particularly demanding on its composition. To make a soil mixture, you need to take 4 parts turf soil, 1 part leaf soil, 1 part peat soil and 1 part sand. Additionally, charcoal can be added to this composition, which can disinfect the soil, being an excellent antiseptic and absorber of excess water. A prerequisite is the use of drainage so that excess moisture does not accumulate in the pot and does not allow the roots of the plant to rot.

Comfortable conditions

As for the conditions for growing Dieffenbachia indoors, one of the main factors for proper healthy plant growth is air humidity. Since its wild relatives grow in tropical climates, indoor specimens require high humidity, and therefore they must be regularly sprayed with a spray bottle. If this is not done, the succulent leaves of the plants will soon dry out and turn yellow at the edges, and soon they will begin to fall off. In addition to spraying, you can place the pot on a tray with wet gravel, and then the evaporation will maintain a normal microclimate for the plant.

Watering

Watering Dieffenbachia at proper care should be plentiful during the period active growth- from spring to autumn, and in winter it must be reduced. It should be remembered that excessive watering and stagnation of water in the pot can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the plant, and its leaves will turn brown at the edges and fall off.

Temperature

Temperature environment is also important for Dieffenbachia - it grows well only in warm climates, and therefore it is necessary to maintain a temperature in the room of +18+21°C. If it becomes much lower, the plant will immediately react to the change - its leaves will turn yellow and rot, and if it remains in such conditions for a long time, the Dieffenbachia will completely die. It is also necessary to protect the plant from drafts, since it is afraid of cool air.

Lighting

The illumination of the space in which Dieffenbachia is located should be stable without direct sunlight or strong darkness. The ideal location is considered to be the western or eastern side; on the south it will quickly burn out in strong sun, and on the north, in the absence of sufficient light, it will stretch out and become fragile, and its leaves will become smaller. Also, in low light conditions, light spots on the leaves of all varieties turn green over time, which reduces the attractiveness of the flowers.

Care and feeding

Intensive growth of Dieffenbachia is observed from May to August, and therefore at this time it requires feeding with various fertilizers. Organic or complex ones are suitable for this. mineral fertilizers, in which there is no lime. It has a detrimental effect on the Dieffenbachia plant, and therefore it is necessary to choose fertilizing without it.

You also need to remember that for plants that have light spots on the leaves, fertilizers with a high nitrogen content are not suitable. This element causes the light spots and stripes on the leaves to change color, turning them green. In other words, in order for indoor Dieffenbachia to have the original color of the leaves, it is necessary to correctly select a fertilizer with no lime and a low nitrogen content, and during the dormant period, that is, from September to April, the flowers should not be fed at all.

Transfer

Like many other indoor flowers, Dieffenbachia needs to be replanted when the pot for it becomes too small or the soil needs to be replaced. The flower is replanted in the spring, around the end of April, before the start of the period of intensive plant growth.

The pot is selected so that it is slightly larger than the previous one, but not too large for the plant. In order to create additional roots, the stem part is placed a little deeper than before, and then new roots will form from the axils of the leaves. As for the soil, a 4:1:1:1 scheme is used - turf soil, leaf soil, peat soil and sand.

Trimming

Pruning the Dieffenbachia plant is necessary when there are drying or broken leaves, but it must be done according to special rules. Since the plant is poisonous, it produces juice that causes skin irritation. Before removing unnecessary leaves, you should take a knife or sharp blade and first wipe it with alcohol so as not to introduce infection into the plant tissue. With a clear, careful movement, cut off the damaged leaf, wet the cut with gauze or cotton wool to remove the juice, and sprinkle the cut area with crushed coal so that it quickly becomes covered with a protective layer and does not release the poisonous juice. It is imperative to use rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands from the effects of calcium oxalate crystals contained in Dieffenbachia juice.

Flower propagation

If the trunk has been trimmed (it is necessary when the plant has reached an impressive size), the cut part is not thrown away, since a new young flower can be grown from it.

Propagation of Dieffenbachia by apical cuttings

To do this, the apical part is placed in water or a soil mixture at the rate of 1 part peat and 1 part sand so that roots appear from the leaf axils. In this case, the Dieffenbachia cuttings to be rooted must be covered with a glass cap or plastic film, and the pot should be placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. You need to water the sprout 1-2 times a week so that the earthen ball is wet, but not waterlogged.

To prevent the cutting from deteriorating and the roots to appear faster, it must first be treated with the root growth stimulator “Kornevin” or “Heteroauxin”, and add the product to the water for irrigation once a week. The soil temperature should not be lower than +20°C, and there should be no drafts. When the root system becomes more abundant and the roots themselves reach a length of 4 cm, the cuttings can be planted in the soil, and if they were initially rooted in the substrate, then they must be transplanted into the soil along with a lump of earth.

Propagation of Dieffenbachia by stem cuttings

Dieffenbachia can be propagated not only through the apical part, but also through pieces of the trunk, for which they are cut up to 20 cm long with several internodes from which leaves or roots will appear. Before planting, the cuttings must be dried and then planted horizontally in the ground. If the leaves do not appear for a long time, but the cuttings do not deteriorate, you need to be patient - Dieffenbachia reproduces in this way for an extremely long time. Over time, you can notice that buds swell at the leaf nodes, from which young leaves will then appear.

Seed method of propagation of Dieffenbachia

The method of propagating Dieffenbachia using seeds is considered the most labor-intensive - this plant blooms extremely rarely at home and also requires pollination. To do this, it is necessary to transfer pollen from male flowers to female flowers located on the same ear-inflorescence - female flowers at the bottom, and male flowers at the top. If pollination is successful, then in about six months it will be possible to use the ripe seed berries as planting material.

Possible diseases and pests

Since the Dieffenbachia indoor plant requires high air humidity, it may die due to the harmful effects of microorganisms for which such conditions are ideal for life and reproduction. Fungal diseases that affect large areas of flowers over a short period of time are especially dangerous for plants. Such damage is not visible on the underground part of the plant, but it is the root system that is most often affected by rot due to excessive watering.

Rotting of the root part of a plant can be determined by specific signs, which include lethargy of the plant, falling leaves and constantly wet soil even with little watering. In this situation, it is necessary to remove the Dieffenbachia and examine its root system for the presence of rot. If it is present, the damaged roots should be cut off, and the cut areas should be treated with charcoal or a solution of potassium permanganate. And it is imperative to plant the diseased plant in new soil so that harmful microorganisms are not transferred from the previously used soil.

As for the pests that attack Dieffenbachia, these include aphids, spider mites, mealybug and scale insects. All these small organisms are capable of destroying a plant in a short time, and therefore, when the first signs of damage are identified, it is necessary to take measures to treat the plant.

The main symptoms indicating a plant disease are wilting, yellowing and curling of leaves, as well as the presence of white plaque or cobwebs. To control pests, wipe and spray Dieffenbachia with a soap solution or Actellik solution at a rate of 1-2 ml. substances per 1 liter. water. Besides, folk remedy Dieffenbachia pest control is to spray with an infusion of medicinal dandelion for two weeks until the harmful microorganisms completely disappear.

Attention: the Dieffenbachia plant is poisonous!

Since Dieffenbachia produces poisonous juice, when working with a flower you should always use gloves that will protect against harmful substances that affect skin. If, however, a situation does occur in which the juice gets on the skin and causes irritation, there is no need to try to wipe it off - the sharp crystals of calcium oxalate will pierce even more deeply into the upper layer of the skin. It is best to place the affected part of the body under running water so that it washes away the juice from the surface.
After working with Dieffenbachia, you must thoroughly wash your hands with soap so that microscopic particles of the plant do not remain on them, which can cause irritation to human skin or mucous membranes.

Varieties of indoor Dieffenbachia

Thanks to selection, a huge number of varieties of Dieffenbachia have been developed, which mainly differ in color and leaf shape.

The most common indoor types of Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguina(or spotted) is the most grown variety of the plant, characterized by dark green leaf coloration, complemented by a light longitudinal vein and many small cream spots. It was this species that became the main one in the selection and breeding of Dieffenbachia hybrids;

Dieffenbachia Camilla- a flower that has very strong spotting on young leaves, which turns green over time and becomes less noticeable;

Dieffenbachia lineara- has rounded leaves with a small striped petiole. Their spotting is close to the central vein of the leaf, and the spots are not cream, but light green;

Dieffenbachia can be seen in many homes and breeders are worried about how to care for the plant. But few people wonder whether it is possible to keep a plant in an apartment. By folk signs keeping Dieffenbachia in residential areas can be dangerous. Let's take a closer look at how the energy of a flower affects a person and what signs are associated with it.

Description of Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia perennial evergreen shrub family Araceae. Its cultivation is not difficult, because the flower is loved by many, even novice gardeners.

This flower has large leaves of various colors: with stripes, spots, specks of the most bizarre shades, ranging from light green to dark yellow. The stem is thick and strong - after all, in natural conditions this plant often grows about two meters high.

Interestingly, Dieffenbachia is often called the “green barometer”. On the eve of snowfall or rain, droplets of moisture appear on its leaves. This is how she gets rid of excess fluid. And, at the same time, it reports that there is an excess of moisture in the air .

Dieffenbachia - can it be kept at home?

Dieffenbachia is a very spectacular plant. Due to its large variegated leaves, it is ideal for decorating any interior, regardless of whether it is an office space or a residential apartment.

Like the rest houseplants, it regulates humidity, ozonizes the air, and cleans it of dust and toxins - formaldehyde, trichlorethylene, xylene, benzene and other harmful substances. Therefore, it is indispensable in a polluted and gas-filled urban climate.

In addition, this green pet has strong phytoncidal properties. Pathogenic microbes simply do not have a chance to develop in the room where Dieffenbachia is located.

When placing this flower in an apartment, you should take into account its energetic characteristics - it “feeds” on negative emotions. Therefore, the most correct place for him would be where conflicts may arise. Ideal places to keep Dieffenbachia at home:

• living room;
• corridor;
• kitchen;
• office room.

Dieffenbachia at home can and should be kept in the north-eastern part of the apartment. According to Feng Shui, this place will be the best for the plant.

It is better to place a pot with Dieffenbachia in places where there are large crowds of people - in offices, industrial buildings, educational institutions. Indeed, thanks to the powerful energy exerted on a person, it stimulates mental activity and normalizes relationships in the team.

Dieffenbachia - poisonous or not

The biggest disadvantage of this plant is its juice. Often, when transplanting Dieffenbachia, people neglect care recommendations and, working without gloves, get burns, in place of which difficult-to-heal ulcers can form over time.

The question of whether Dieffenbachia is poisonous or not can be answered in the affirmative. Children and pets can be poisoned by the juice, including anaphylactic shock. Exposure to poisonous juice can even cause interruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle.

Signs associated with Dieffenbachia

Among other house plants, Dieffenbachia is almost in first place in terms of the number of signs and superstitions. There are both positive and negative beliefs here.

Since ancient times, it was believed that the Dieffenbachia leaf could deprive a person of speech by sealing his mouth. This is understandable from a medical point of view: the poisonous juice of this plant causes swelling oral cavity and larynx, depriving a person of the ability to speak.

Bad omens

According to signs, Dieffenbachia is often called “husband’s flower” or “widow’s flower”. She is a symbol of celibacy. This is primarily due to the fact that in a family home this flower is able to absorb male energy.

Rules and Cautions:

• The plant is not kept in a house where there are young single woman. It will drive away potential suitors, and no relationship will be able to move into a long and permanent phase.
• The flower is not placed in the bedroom because it has a negative effect on male potency and also contributes to quarrels and swearing between spouses.
• The flower should not be taken by couples who are planning to have children.

There are also good signs about Dieffenbachia. This suggests that culture will not in all cases be dangerous to humans.

Good omens

This green friend is also endowed with positive, even magical properties, because she:

• absorbs negativity and negative emotions.
• has a positive effect on intelligence and concentration.
• attracts luck and prosperity.
• sharpens intuition and helps to make useful connections;
• can warn of upcoming negative events.

If the owner of this flower is a woman, then it will reward her by preserving her beauty and helping her achieve longevity. You just need to properly care for the plant.

The very condition of Dieffenbachia, according to signs, turns out to be prophetic. If the flower has withered, it means that someone will soon get sick. If the leaves have faded, it means betrayal by a loved one is possible.

Why does Dieffenbachia bloom?

Many signs are associated with the flowering of Dieffenbachia, because at home this happens extremely rarely.For flowering, it needs to create special conditions, which in our conditions middle zone difficult to achieve.

From the point of view of bioenergetics, the flowering of Dieffenbachia is an indicator of an unfavorable atmosphere in the office and home. Dieffenbachia anticipates an increase in negative vibrations, and, warning about them, blooms.

According to signs, the flowering of Dieffenbachia is associated with the need for change. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the situation and normalize the state of affairs in one area or another.

Dieffenbachia - care

Like any tropical plant, Dieffenbachia does not like sudden changes in temperature, cold drafts and waterlogging of the soil. Improper care can cause Dieffenbachia to lose its attractiveness: its leaves will begin to turn yellow and possibly fall off.

Dieffenbachia care includes:

Periodically, the plant should be rejuvenated. To do this, you need to cut the plant completely, leaving only a small stump. After some time, new shoots will begin to appear around it. And the cut top can be rooted in ordinary water.

Dieffenbachia - impact on humans

With proper care, Dieffenbachia does not cause harm, but benefit. It can be considered a kind of indicator of the energy situation: it helps not only to identify negativity, but also to neutralize it.

Just keep in mind that Dieffenbachia should share its energy only with those who care for it and cherish it. She gives greater preference to the fair sex, which is why she works with this plant better for a woman. The flower will improve your well-being and help fight cellulite and signs of aging.

In addition, the plant has a very good effect on a person who is doing business or building a career. It helps to make informed decisions, assimilate information, rationally manage capital and make the right use of business contacts.

Magical, insidious, poisonous, spectacular - so many epithets, and all about one plant. Signs about Dieffenbachia say that the plant is not suitable for everyone and can create a positive atmosphere in the house only with proper care. If you have concerns about this plant, it may be worth getting another green friend. After all, fear itself makes a person vulnerable to negativity.

You fall in love with this plant at first sight. Every The variegated dieffenbachia leaf is unique. It is like a whimsical painting in the style of the Expressionist masters. Strokes, stripes, lines and specks - everything is in its place.

Every detail completes the perfect image of this tropical beauty. In addition, Dieffenbachia spotted is surprisingly hardy and does not require complex care.

External characteristics

Large variegated leaves of Dieffenbachia are located on a thick, succulent stem. Each plant has one growth point located at the tip of the shoot. Bushing species are also known.

Dormant buds can awaken at the base of the trunk and along its entire length. Depending on the hybrid, the bush can be spreading or compact (can be seen in the photo).

How does it bloom?

This rarely happens at home. But don't be upset. The Dieffenbachia flower is unremarkable. The inflorescence is an inconspicuous ear, wrapped in a yellow-green blanket.

The fruit is an orange-colored berry. As soon as an inflorescence appears, it is better to get rid of it. It takes away the vitality of the plant and slows down its growth. Wherein has no decorative value.

The most beautiful types and varieties

Note! The juice contained in the stems and leaves is poisonous. Upon contact with the juice of hybrids, a burning sensation on the skin and redness occurs. You should immediately wash your hands with laundry soap. It is better to trim with gloves. This plant is not recommended to be kept in a house where there are small children and pets.

Home care

Despite conflicting opinions regarding its cultivation in room conditions, Dieffenbachia – frequent guest in many apartments. Its original appearance stylishly complements the interior of any room, the main thing is to provide the right conditions.

Lighting

Dieffenbachia prefers bright and diffused light, but Can grow in moderate shade. With insufficient lighting, the plant becomes very elongated and distorted, the speckled leaves become small and lose their decorative patterns. Direct sun leaves burns on the leaves and they become discolored.

Temperature

Temperatures must be maintained at + 18 – 23 degrees. If they are lower, the plant will often be affected by diseases and pests, and will also stop growing. Categorically Do not overcool the roots.

Important! On high temperatures Dieffenbachia responds better than low temperatures, but only with regular watering.

Transfer

To get a truly beautiful plant, the soil is taken loose and nutritious: turf and leaf soil with high-moor peat and coarse sand (2:2:1:1).

If you prefer store-bought soil, dilute it with baking powder and add nutrient soil. Be sure to use drainage. The holes in the bottom of the pot should always be clean so that excess moisture flows out freely.

Dieffenbachia loves spacious pots. Powerful roots will be constrained in a tight container. Young specimens are replanted every 2 to 3 years. Growing in floor pots- only if necessary. Instead, they refresh the top layer of soil.

This video explains how to properly care for a 2-meter plant - Dieffenbachia.

Watering

It is important to maintain a golden mean here. Requires regular and moderate watering: without drying out, but also without a swamp in the pot. The soil should dry out at least 1/3 of the way. The water takes no cooler than + 25 degrees. On hot days with good lighting, watering can be increased.

When and how to fertilize?

In spring and summer - every 2 or 3 weeks (1.5 g of fertilizer / l of water). It is good to alternate mineral fertilizers with organic ones. For example, with rotted manure(part manure + part water). The mixture will infuse in 2 weeks. Then it is diluted in a ratio of 1:5. Fertilize one day after watering.

Note! Dieffenbachia is a paradoxical plant. Despite the poisonous juice, it also brings benefits. The flower improves the air, moisturizes it and fights bacteria, such as staphylococcus.

Reproduction of Dieffenbachia

Maybe in several ways. Most often, this process is carried out when the trunk of an old plant is exposed.

Types of rooting:

• Trunk. Its middle part is cut into fragments with 3–4 internodes. The sections are disinfected and dried. After that pieces of the trunk are laid out in the ground, pressing them in halfway. When transplanting sprouted Dieffenbachia, the old trunk is buried in the ground.
• Cutting. It takes root best in a light mixture of peat and sand in equal parts. The cut is soaked in a growth stimulator and covered with coal chips on top. Additionally, the cuttings are covered with a bag. To prevent the leaves from coming into contact with the plastic, install spacers.
• Layerings. A ring of skin up to 1 cm wide is cut from the stem. The incision is treated with root and wrapped in damp moss and then in film. The moss can be periodically moistened by piercing the film with a syringe. The hole is covered with tape. Make sure the roots are well formed before separating the crown. Cut location sprinkled with coal and planted together with moss into the ground. The trunk is buried down to the lower petiole.

This video shows two ways to propagate Dieffenbachia.

Caring for Dieffenbachia at home is simple. It is enough to create the most basic comfortable conditions for her, and she will delight you with its intricately colored leaves all year round.