Leopard Lily Dieffenbachia amoena
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Leopard Lily:
- Phonetic Spelling
- def-en-BAH-kee-ah am-oh-EN-uh
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
'Dumbcane' is an exotic looking monocot that is popular as a houseplant. The large variegated leaves come in a variety of patterns with cream and yellow markings. Plant in a loose, fertile, high organic medium and provide it with indirect light and high humidity. Water the plant thoroughly then allow the top 1 inch surface of the soil to dry completely before watering again to prevent root rot.
Pests: Scale and aphids
This plant is poisonous and should not be permitted near children or pets (cats & dogs). The common name comes from its ill effects on the vocal cords if ingested. Wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Container Garden with Epiphytes
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- ‘Camille’
Cream color in the middle of each leaf - ‘Hilo’
L::ime green and green variegation - ‘Tropical Tiki’
Heavily variegated with silver, cream and green - 'Tropic Snow'
6 ft tall very variegated with cream and green
- ‘Camille’
- ‘Camille’, ‘Hilo’, ‘Tropical Tiki’, 'Tropic Snow'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- ‘Camille’
Cream color in the middle of each leaf - ‘Hilo’
L::ime green and green variegation - ‘Tropical Tiki’
Heavily variegated with silver, cream and green - 'Tropic Snow'
6 ft tall very variegated with cream and green
- ‘Camille’
- ‘Camille’, ‘Hilo’, ‘Tropical Tiki’, 'Tropic Snow'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Dieffenbachi
- Species:
- amoena
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central and South America
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- high humidity
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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-
Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- If fruit develops, it is berry-like in appearance.
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-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Insignificant
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Its leaves are large (up to 20 inches), oblong, with cream, or yellow dots and stripes with deep green stripes and bands around the outer edge.
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-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Medium
- Poison Symptoms:
- The sap of the plant is acrid, and, when ingested, will numb the throat and vocal cords, rendering the victim mute for up to two weeks until the poison wears off. The sap is highly irritating to the skin, and any interactions with the plant which result in sap exposure should be washed thoroughly. It can also damage the cornea of the eye. It May be fatal to livestock and pets, but it is not commonly available to them. Excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Oxalic acid and Asparagine, Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Leaves
