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Dumbcane Dieffenbachia seguine

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

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:
  • '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', 'Exotica' or 'Arvida', 'Hilo', 'Perfection', 'Rudolph Roehrs', 'Superba', 'Tropical Tiki', 'Tropic Marianne', 'Tropic Snow'
Tags:
#houseplant#white flowers#showy leaves#interiorscape#large leaves#interesting leaves#cream flowers#spadix#variegated#exotic looking#fantz#humidity tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#tropical feel#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#cpp
 
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', 'Exotica' or 'Arvida', 'Hilo', 'Perfection', 'Rudolph Roehrs', 'Superba', 'Tropical Tiki', 'Tropic Marianne', 'Tropic Snow'
Tags:
#houseplant#white flowers#showy leaves#interiorscape#large leaves#interesting leaves#cream flowers#spadix#variegated#exotic looking#fantz#humidity tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#tropical feel#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#cpp
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Description:
    Green drupes that ripen to red, rarely develop.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    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
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Heavy Shade
    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 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