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Dieffenbachia seguine

Previously known as:

  • Dieffenbachia maculata
  • Dieffenbachia picta
Phonetic Spelling
dee-fen-BAH-kee-ah seg-WINE
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Dieffenbachia maculata is typically grown as a houseplant. It requires medium light levels and moderate indoor temperatures. This plant can be toxic for pets and children.

This plant has an exotic appeal and has wonderfully shaped leaves with brush strokes of cream, yellow and white which enhance the shape of the leaves. The rich color of green with its brush strokes of color allow this plant to stand out and shout out to be seen in your home.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaf is elliptic-oblong, blotched with cream
  • Main lateral veins number more than 8 (usually ca 20)
  • Stem is present on older specimens

Evergreen tropical perennial shrub to 8', erect and scarcely branched.

Desired in indoor settings for its erect habit and large, variegated leaves; blooms rarely in interiors. 

Distinguishable usually from Aglaonema species by counting obvious lateral veins- Aglaonemas usually have 5-8 main veins whereas Dieffenbachias have more than 8 (usually around 20-30). 

Distinquished from Spathiphyllum by presence of sugarcane-like stem. 

Nickname 'dumbcane' refers to the effect of the irritating sap (oxalate crystals) on the soft portions of mouth and throat acting like an acid; burning sensation causes gasping for air carrying crystals to larynx; scar tissue developing in larynx distorts sounds or makes talking difficult, causing one to become dumb, unable to speak. 

Always make sure to wash hands after handling plants; Keep hands away from eyes & mouth. Be alert for toddlers & house pets (e.g. cats) eating leaves. 

Used as specimen or background plant. 

Intolerant of low winter temperatures, cold drafts and overly wet soil; prefers medium to high light, dry soil and medium relative humidity; pest/disease problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Arvida'
    Leaves are heavily variegated creamy white
  • 'Marianne'
    Leaves are like 'Rudolph Roehrs' except the green margins are wider.
  • 'Rudolph Roehrs'
    Leaves are basally cordate, are mostly creamy white, faintly spotted white, with green margins
'Arvida', 'Marianne', 'Rudolph Roehrs'
Tags:
#houseplant#white flowers#showy leaves#cream flowers#spadix#variegated#exotic looking#fantz#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#perennial#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Arvida'
    Leaves are heavily variegated creamy white
  • 'Marianne'
    Leaves are like 'Rudolph Roehrs' except the green margins are wider.
  • 'Rudolph Roehrs'
    Leaves are basally cordate, are mostly creamy white, faintly spotted white, with green margins
'Arvida', 'Marianne', 'Rudolph Roehrs'
Tags:
#houseplant#white flowers#showy leaves#cream flowers#spadix#variegated#exotic looking#fantz#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#perennial#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dieffenbachia
    Species:
    seguine
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropics
    Distribution:
    Caribbean, tropical South America
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Occasionally Dry
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Description:
    A spadix and spathe; spathe green, convolute, boat-shaped, shorter than tube; peduncle long.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves alternate, simple, large, mottled with white, yellowish, and different shades of green. Oblong to oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, rotund to cordate, entire, medium green marked with ivory white blotches or markings; lateral veinsnumerous; petiole sheathing.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stout, fleshy, encircled by leaf scars, bearing leaves toward apex, few or no branching.
  • 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:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat due to needl-like crystals becoming embedded in the mouth and throat. Difficulty in speaking and swallowing; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Skin irritation if exposed to cell sap. It may be fatal to pets and livestock.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium oxalate crystals, oxalic acid
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems