Diffenbachia Tropich White

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Dieffenbachia

Species

amoena

Description

A tropical evergreen plant with an erect stem, suitable for warm, bright indoor spaces where it lends an elegant decorative value with its large, oblong, glossy green leaves variegated with creamy white, silvery or light yellow shades depending on the variety.

Variety description

Dieffenbachia, particularly the topich cultivar, is quite widespread and is easily noted for its decorative foliage. It is purely an indoor plant for warm and bright temperate environments.

Curiosities and special features

Appreciated not only for its ornamental appearance but also for its ability to absorb, through its leaves, some of the pollutants that may be present in indoor living or working spaces.

In English, it is commonly called 'dumb cane' in reference to the numbing and paralysing effects of its sap on the vocal chords of humans and pets if ingested.

Origin and distribution

A native species from the Caribbean to South America, where it grows in humid forests; today it is mainly cultivated as an indoor plant in a wide range of varieties.

Leaf

The elegant leaves have an entire oblong lamina, with an enveloping leaf stalk.

Flowering period

Under suitable growing conditions, adult specimens can flower from late spring to summer for a duration of 120 to 200 days.

Inflorescence

The axillary inflorescence consists of a spadix surrounded by a greenish-white spathe.

Leaf colour

The leaf blade is glossy deep green, variegated with spots or punctuation.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.8 to 1.2 m, considering the erect habit and leaf development.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

A tropical species that, due to its climatic requirements, is suitable as a plant for pots, indoor tubs, planters

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The habit developed by the stem is erect.

PH

The pH of the substrate should tend to be acidic, with values between 5.8 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Dieffenbachia requires a bright environment but sheltered from direct sunlight.

The following exposures are therefore recommended: light source indoors, bright shade, indoors in the cold season. Excess light discolours the leaf and can cause burns on the white parts of the leaf where there is no photosynthesis.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 22 °C. The vital temperature is between 14 and 40 °C Strong temperature fluctuations can cause the plant to defoliate.

Use

It is one of the most popular plants in:

Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness. Fears low temperatures and waterlogging, also requires high humidity, but at the same time it is recommended to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases with rot.

Soil

For proper vegetative growth, use a high-quality substrate for indoor green plants based on peat and perlite, which is well draining and porous.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to grow if suitable growing conditions regarding exposure, humidity and temperature are guaranteed.

Growing tips

Some specific expedients and cultivation aspects:

Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Prefers warm and humid climate

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for use in tanks with a water reservoir in assortment with other green plants in warm environments. Smaller specimens can be used in compositions with indoor species with the same climatic requirements. We recommend using pots or tubs of a suitable size to ensure proper vegetative development of each individual plant.

Propagation

Multiplication is agamic, from apical cuttings.

Repotting

After purchase and in subsequent years, if necessary, repot in a container of a size commensurate with the plant's development using specific, new, high-quality substrate.

Watering

Water regularly by supplying temperate water directly to the substrate, which should be kept moist but free from stagnation that causes rot and leaf yellowing. It is advisable to empty excess water from the saucer. Mist the leaves with non-calcareous water to maintain proper humidity.

In winter, reduce the water supply but without allowing the substrate to dry out.

Fertilising

Throughout the year, add a specific liquid fertiliser for indoor green plants to the moist substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to suitable doses and frequencies.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans. The sap can also cause serious reactions, so wear suitable gloves when handling.

Tip

Avoid water stagnation but water the substrate regularly. Also ensure adequate room humidity and plenty of light, and place the plant away from cold draughts and radiators. Avoid sudden changes in temperature. If fertilised well, it can branch out from the stem.