Spotted Dumbcane Dieffenbachia seguine
Other Common Name(s):
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'
- 'Arvida', 'Marianne', 'Rudolph Roehrs'
- Tags:
- 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'
- 'Arvida', 'Marianne', 'Rudolph Roehrs'
- Tags:
-
-
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.
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- 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
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-
Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
- Flower Description:
- A spadix and spathe; spathe green, convolute, boat-shaped, shorter than tube; peduncle long.
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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.
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-
Stem:
- 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
- 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
