Dumbcane Dieffenbachia seguine
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Arum seguine
- Dieffenbachia amoena
- Dieffenbachia maculata
- Dieffenbachia picta
- Phonetic Spelling
- dee-fen-BAH-kee-ah seg-WE-neh
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Dieffenbachia is an erect, broadleaf evergreen perennial in the Araceae family that is native to Central and South America. The large, shiny, green leaves are variegated in a variety of patterns of patches or blotches in colors of cream, white, or yellow. It grows from 3 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide and is scarcely branched. It is a popular houseplant and is grown for its ornamental foliage. It rarely develops flowers or fruits as a houseplant.
The genus name, Dieffenbachia, is in honor of J.F. Dieffenbach, who was in charge of the royal palace gardens in Vienna in the 1830s. Plants formerly designed as D. amoena, D. maculata, and D. picta are now placed in D. seguine.
The common name, dumbcane, refers to the numbing and paralyzing effects of the sap of this plant on the vocal cords of humans and pets if it is ingested.
This plant prefers loose, fertile, high organic soil and indirect light, moderate temperatures, and high humidity. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the top 1-inch surface of the soil to dry completely before watering the plant again. This will help prevent root rot. It needs to be protected from cold drafts and direct sunlight. Propagate by division or stem/root cuttings.
Although Dieffenbachia is grown as a houseplant, it can be toxic for pets and children. Be alert for toddlers and pets that might eat or chew on the leaves. Always make sure to wash your hands after handling this plant and keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth.
This plant has an exotic appeal and has wonderfully shaped rich green leaves with brush strokes of cream, yellow, and white which enhance the shape of the leaves. This plant will stand out and brighten the dark corners of your home.
Quick ID Hints:
- leaf is elliptic-oblong, blotched with cream
- main lateral veins number more than 8 (usually 20)
- stem is present on older specimens
- 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).
- distinguishable from Spathiphyllum by the presence of an aerial, cane-like stem.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, scale, whiteflies, fungus gnats, and aphids. Potential diseases include fungal leaf spot, root rot, and blight. Wear gloves when handling this plant to prevent skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Camille'
up to 3 feet tall, pale yellow leave with white margins - 'Exotica' or 'Arvida'
leaves are heavily variegated creamy white, small splashes of green, narrow green margins, creamy white midrib - 'Hilo'
dark green leaf with light green variegations - 'Perfection'
heavily variegated 8-inch long leaves - 'Rudolph Roehrs'
yellow leaves with creamy white blotches, midrib and margins are dark green - 'Superba'
thick leaves with white variegation - 'Tropical Tiki'
dark and light green leaves with white splatters - 'Tropic Marianne'
green and white variegated leaves - 'Tropic Snow'
6 ft tall, small, heavily variegated with cream and green leaves
- 'Camille'
- 'Camille', 'Exotica' or 'Arvida', 'Hilo', 'Perfection', 'Rudolph Roehrs', 'Superba', 'Tropical Tiki', 'Tropic Marianne', 'Tropic Snow'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Camille'
up to 3 feet tall, pale yellow leave with white margins - 'Exotica' or 'Arvida'
leaves are heavily variegated creamy white, small splashes of green, narrow green margins, creamy white midrib - 'Hilo'
dark green leaf with light green variegations - 'Perfection'
heavily variegated 8-inch long leaves - 'Rudolph Roehrs'
yellow leaves with creamy white blotches, midrib and margins are dark green - 'Superba'
thick leaves with white variegation - 'Tropical Tiki'
dark and light green leaves with white splatters - 'Tropic Marianne'
green and white variegated leaves - 'Tropic Snow'
6 ft tall, small, heavily variegated with cream and green leaves
- 'Camille'
- 'Camille', 'Exotica' or 'Arvida', 'Hilo', 'Perfection', 'Rudolph Roehrs', 'Superba', 'Tropical Tiki', 'Tropic Marianne', 'Tropic Snow'
- Tags:
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-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Dieffenbachia
- Species:
- seguine
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Root Cutting
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Caribbean to South Tropical America
- Distribution:
- Native: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, and Venezuelan Antilles; Introduced: Bangladesh, Borneo, Cook Islands, Malaya, Mexico, Seychelles, Society Islands
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- High humidity
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- 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
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Type:
- Drupe
- Fruit Description:
- Green drupes that ripen to red, rarely develop.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Insignificant
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- A white spadix and pale green to white spathe; convolute, boat-shaped, shorter than tube; peduncle long. Rarely flowers.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Cream/Tan
- 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 veins numerous; petiole sheathing.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stout, fleshy, encircled by leaf scars, bearing leaves toward apex, few or no branching.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- Burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat due to needle-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. Sap exposure to the eyes can result in damage to the cornea. 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
