Propagating plants gives the homeowner a simple way to increase their collection. Generally speaking, these plants should be pruned when they have shed enough of the leaves to expose the stems. Problems with dieffenbachia plant can be easily overcome in most situations. New growth develops directly below the cut in the stem. The length of the stem after cutting depends on personal preference but should be no shorter than 6 inches tall. This is a lasting effect that can go on for a week or even two. See how toxic the plant , symptoms and remedies. I'd like to keep this plant tidy and compact like it is now and try to get it to become more full and bushy rather than long and spindly, which I've seen happen to this kind. I don’t see how I can cut the cane and leave any leaves… 2nd hand plant. The stem can be cut into 2-inch pieces, each trimmed to have a node at the bottom. It spent last summer outside in a place where it was shaded a good deal of the day with strong sunlight in the late afternoon. Please let me know if you found any answer, I am in the same position. Use the shears to cut them back about a third of their length. When they are this big, they will typically shed some leaves. To maintain a healthy plant you should be giving indirect bright light.. Keep it away from direct sunlight during the middle of the day and early afternoon when the suns is at its hottest. If you prefer a bushier plant, lop off the top of the plant. The cuttings are truncated to a length of approximately 10 cm and put in a pot with a mixture of soil and sand. It spent last summer outside in a place where it was shaded a good deal of the day with strong sunlight in the late afternoon. How do I prune it back? Water only when the top 2 inches of soil begins to dry until the foliage grows back in, then resume normal irrigation practices. The removed tops of the dieffenbachia plant root readily when planted in a moist sand or vermiculite, allowing you to produce more plants each time you cut back the dieffenbachia. Cut Dieffenbachia Plants. The dieffenbachia, also called dumbcane, is a fast-growing tropical plant that can reach 6 feet tall. How do I grow new ones from the cuttings? If it’s a plant that has no branches to guide you, like a dieffenbachia, make the cut right above a leaf or leaf scar so you won’t leave too much of a stump. You can also prune your plant regularly to encourage bushier growth. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. GOD bless you and your family, and may you have a blessed and happy Merry Christmas. Saved from houseplant411.com. Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow - This is one of the largest and most beautiful of the dieffenbachia plants. Your email address will not be published. I’ve had my Dieffenbachia Plant for seven years, and my baby is 7.5ft tall and don’t want to harm him in anyway. Lawn And Garden. Cut off the growing tip of the plant but leave the top two leaves. For this reason, make sure to avoid touching your face, skin, lips and eyes when you work with a Dieffenbachia plant and always make sure to wear your gardening gloves! It has only 1 cane that is about 16″ exposed above the soil, making it very top heavy and leaning over. If you are wondering about the best time to prune your Dieffenbachia plant, there is no one good time to do it. Dieffenbachia ‘Rudolph Roehrs’ – a classic has new leaves of gold-green with white blotches, dark green leaf edges, and midvein. My dieffenbachia has become ‘leggy’ over the winter months indoors. See more ideas about plants, house plants, plant leaves. You need to sacrifice the height/length of the plant, cut the bending stalks off, and well below that point. © 2020 All Rights Reserved. Pour a glass of water and place the dieffenbachia cuttings into it. Trim the next stem once new growth begins on the first. Cut the cane to form cuttings. I've had to tie it to a stake, but it still leans over bringing the entire pot with it. Can I safely cut the top off? The Dieffenbachia plant, or Dumb Cane, can grow just fine with low light yet prefers a good amount of indirect light. But it can be made worse if your plant isn’t getting enough light, so move it to a brighter location. In Costa Rica, I became used to seeing Dieffenbachias growing pretty much as vines.My indoor Dieffenbachias seem so big in our Vancouver apartment, but in the wild haunts of the cloud forests we see them enjoying life more naturally. Thus, you should prune your dieffenbachia and help it grow better and faster that way. Dieffenbachia is native to Central America and Brazil. What type of knife is sharp enough to cut a thick, standing cane? My Dieffenbachia was propagated by my Mother from her plant about 40 years ago. (Years ago, my mum used to refer to Canada's then-Prime Minister Dieffenbachia, as she was more familiar with plants than politics.) Pruning a Dieffenbachia isn’t essential, though you may wish to tactically prune it to encourage a shape you like. What if your plant has 2 feet of cane? Required fields are marked *. It should be done from time to time to improve the appearance of your plant. Oct 17, 2019 - Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com. My dieffenbachia has become ‘leggy’ over the winter months indoors. If there are any side shoots on the branches further down the base of the plant, you can prune a few of these shoots. After approximately six to eight weeks roots have formed, then the cutting can be repotted into a pot wit… Cut anywhere along the main stem, preferably above a leaf node (a leaf node is the small bump on the stem from which new leaves grow). Dieffenbachia plants are known as great houseplants that allow you a lot of freedom. Place the plants in an area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs. Dieffenbachia produces variegated foliage. This houseplant is easy to care for when given the right parameters. Houseplants, even those known for their easy-going natures, benefit from a little pruning to either improve their appearance or propagate new plants. It is top heavy and I have it tied to a stake. Prune the plant when the stems shed enough leaves to expose the canelike trunk. After all, larger varieties can reach heights around 6 feet tall. Keep in mind that Dieffenbachia plants can reach about 6 feet in height indoors. Whoever told you that you can cut your dieffenbachia in half is just about right! Dieffenbachia - a great plant for apartments and offices. In fact, you can do both at the same time: propagate your Dieffenbachia to get some new plants and improve the health and appearance of your old plant. Tap the cutting gently to remove any excess powder. Dieffenbachia, also called the dumbcane, is a low-maintenance tropical houseplant. Typically, Dieffenbachia doesn’t require heavy pruning. Its now reaching past standard ceiling height and had to be relocated to a shadier spot with more space for the top. Care, repotting, watering and exposure are as many small things to do that will make your dieffenbachia even more lush. Don’t let that scare you. The dieffenbachia will, as it grows, lose the lower leaves, exposing the cane of the tree. I don’t know how to prune it so that it stands up straight again. Since it did well, I have moved it outside again this summer. Respectfully, G. D. Wms. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Name – Diffenbachia x hybrida Family – Araceae Type – indoor plant Height – 1 ⅓ to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) indoors Exposure – very well-lit Soil – soil mix Foliage – evergreen. Dieffenbachia houseplants require minimal care to produce their abundance of large, variegated leaves. Explore. https://www.epicgardening.com/dieffenbachia-dumb-cane-plant How to prune dieffenbachia. Your email address will not be published. To obtain the required temperature of approximately 25 ° C, a plastic film is pulled on the pot and placed in a bright location. Dieffenbachia typically produce bare, weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light. In one move it was accidentally beheaded but, in time, it recovered nicely. Always prune back more severely than you would have thought, because pruning stimulates the plant to grow back quickly and vigorously. Also, a good reason for pruning might be propagation: if you wish to propagate your plants it’s best done at the time of pruning. Now, it is important to know that young and small plants don’t really need pruning but only the big, overgrown ones require some trimming, and this process is quite simple. https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/cutting-pruning-dumb-cane.77150/. Dieffenbachia yellowing is what can happen if you leave your plant to grow on its own and not prune it. It is one of the taller Dieffenbachia varieties growing to heights of around 4 or 5 feet as large single stem specimens and floor plants. Minimize irrigation as the foliage grows back on the plant. So if you want new growth to start low, then you should prune back to about a foot above the soil. Try a regular handsaw meant for cutting wood. It will do best in high humidity. Dec 7, 2020 - Learn how to identify, grow, and care for dieffenbachia plants. It is bigger and healthier at the top than the bottom. It is not difficult to prune your Dieffenbachia plant, but you need to prepare some basic tools and materials and to follow some easy steps. Whether it's grown outside in its perennial range across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 or indoors, dieffenbachia should be kept out of the reach of children and pets because of its toxic sap. Once you have pruned the canes from your Dieffenbachia plant, you can use them to form cuttings for propagation. Take a clean pair of shears or a clean, sharp knife and cut the stem that you want to prune. Continue cutting the remaining overgrown stems as the last one cut produces new growth. The leaves are striking, in variegated patterns of green, white and yellow. New growth will emerge from a point on the stem just below where you make the pruning cut. To avoid becoming sick, always wear gloves. It is also poisonous to children and pets. Prune back half of the longest branches on the plant. Jan 28, 2020 - Learn how to successfully prune and propagate a very tall or skinny dieffenbachia plant from AskJudy@Houseplant411.com For cosmetic reasons and the plant’s health, prune away dead and dying branches when they emerge. It will do best in high humidity. They are not particularly demanding so they are great even for the beginner gardeners. Dieffenbachia one of the most common indoor plants, is easy to care and great as an office plant.However the plant can be poisonous so there are some situations where it might not be a good fit. Leggy dieffenbachia – Legginess is the natural growth habit for this plant, dieffenbachia normally grow leggy over time. If so, is it okay to cut the main stalk? Dieffenbachia requires less water when producing fewer leaves. This is a relatively quicker and easier process: Simply cut 4-6″ inches long stem sections and remove the leaves. It is now more than eight feet tall + I have been so reticent to prune it. If left unpruned, the plant will resemble a palm tree. Dieffenbachia ‘Splash’ PPAF – A hybrid from Oglesby. Another problem is touching the eyes: it can be very painful and it can lead to a rash. I’m a gardening enthusiast with over 25 years of experience. It is almost 3 feet tall. Contemplating how to prune myself. Q. dieffenbachia I have a dieffenbachia plant that stands about 6 feet tall (one stalk). Plant it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a high peat content. My dieffenbachia is over 6 feet tall, it can’t support itself anymore and is bending and twisting despite staking it and turning it. Propagation is best done during the time of pruning. But, unfortunately, in the dry air of the room she quickly laid bare, and instead of a magnificent Bush you have – long-legged beast with a curved trunk and a bunch of leaves on top. Strip all but the top few leaves from the leafy top of … How to Prune a Too Tall Dieffenbachia Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com Flower Pots Flowers Garden Spaces Houseplants How To Stay Healthy Leaves Outdoor Beautiful Tips Plants. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps: Photo credit: gianni del bufalo via photopin cc. There is no need to ask “When to prune your Dieffenbachia” as it does not need grooming or pruning! Cut long branches, these are very suitable as head cutting. Can I ‘prune’ it to encourage bushy growth? These plants look so good in your home so it’s not surprising that Dieffenbachia is among the most popular houseplant around the world. You can change the water every few days or so. One way to provide this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles that is kept wet. Dieffenbachia Amoena is the plant most people commonly know of all Dieffenbachia plant varieties. Dieffenbachia Camille - This is one of the best-known dieffenbachia plants. Rooting Dieffenbachia Plants in Water . is a tropical African plant most often used as a houseplant in the United States. ; March 1999. How to Grow Thicker Dieffenbachia Stalks. However, if your plant is getting too tall or leggy, you can cut back the stems. I want to prune it because it's grown so tall, so fast, and I'm afraid the pot will become unstable. But I am unsure how to cut the cane. Once ready, begin by cutting the stems at roughly a 45-degree angle. When you do so, use. My plant is over 8’ tall and is hitting my ceiling. It is native to Brazil and has stalks that resemble canes with large, oblong green leaves variegated with white or cream. For the year you can grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant. I wish it were shorter. Place the plants in an area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs. Tips for Pruning Your Dieffenbachia Plant. The most common problem with growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is too much moisture. The plants thrive when they receive bright light and occasional watering, but they may eventually become overgrown. You can cut the top part of a dieffenbachia off anywhere along the main stem. Use these instructions. Use a sharp knife and cut the canes at a 45-degree angle. Also maybe that receiving enough light so it is overstretching itself. It is a win win situation that will get you more of these gorgeous plants. The best way to grow more dieffenbachia plants is to take stem cuttings (this is called “propagating”). Sadly, there are many popular houseplants that are toxic to both humans and pets so care must be taken when growing them.Sago palm Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants and the dieffenbachia houseplant is no exception. This is a fast-growing plant, and given the opportunity, will grow upward until it looks like a tree, with a long thick stem and a bushy top. Dieffenbachias leaves reach up to 1 … My dieffenbachia is about 6′ tall. Dieffenbachia are very tough, and it will only help it when you remove dying parts. It pleases the lush variegated greens and vigorous growth. It can “strike you dumb”, hence the name. Foliage Plants. Or a machete. Their big, variegated leaves simply go yellow and drop from the bottom of the stems. I cut 1' off the bottom of the cutting and just laid it horizontal just under the soil. Dieffenbachia produces variegated foliage. Plant the dumbcane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps: 1. Cut back one overgrown stem to within 6 inches of the soil surface with a clean knife. Thank you so much for the complete, and through invaluable information. Since it did well, I have moved it outside again this summer. Cut the cane you pruned from the plant into 2-inch segments, each with a node about 1/4 inch from its bottom edge. sharp, clean pruners and cut the plant’s canes at a 45-degree angle. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. However, even the low-maintenance plants such as Dieffenbachia can benefit from some pruning. Not to steer away from the site, but this link has pictures of what’s been explained here and has already been a reference within the last decade. With this comprehensive advice, I will attempt to prune it. Do make sure not to cut more than 1/3 of its growth. Can I cut those Limbs with the torn leaves off if I cut them just above the node? These plants grow 3 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. This is vital for a success with propagation so don’t forget about the nodes! This will leave the canelike trunk exposed. How To Propagate Dieffenbachia Plants. Mine is only 5 yrs old from a big box store in SoCal that lasted one move up north. Hi everyone, I'm pretty certain this is a Dieffenbachia, but I'm not sure which type. If you don't own one already, the purchase of one from a garden center can be a good investment, as they can grow indoors for many years to come. How can I cut about 12″ from the cane from the bottom without killing the plant? Remember, it got its name “dumbcane” because when you cut it, the plant produces a material that can cause itching and other problems on the mouth and throat. Do I continue to tie it up? The sap produced by these leaves is quite poisonous. If you have a beautiful dieffenbachia plant, you can actually clone it by taking cuttings and have more plants with the exact same characteristics. Push the medium up against the stem to hold it in place. Make sure to cut it into 2 inch segments. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. In other words, you need to observe your plant and see when it’s the right time to prune. When not working, I love digging in my garden. It is almost 3 feet tall. Take the cane you have pruned from the main plant. Remove dead or damages leaves at any time of year to improve the appearance of the plant. It's actually one part of a huge cutting my cousin cut off of hers. To avoid getting the plan material on your mouth and throat, it is vital to wear gloves whenever working with a Dieffenbachia plant. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch down before watering the dieffenbachia plant. If you are unhappy with your dieffenbachia’s height, you can prune it to be shorter. I grow everything I can from veggies to plants. One way to provide this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles that is kept wet. White speckles on the stem to within 6 inches tall any answer I. The sap produced by these leaves is quite poisonous feet wide how to prune dieffenbachia to place pot! In this browser for the year you can aggressively prune to keep a dieffenbachia isn ’ t see toxic! Through invaluable information houseplants and the dieffenbachia plant, cut the top 2 inches of the dieffenbachia... With a clean, sharp knife and cut the cane you have pruned from the main stalk prune. Personal preference but should be pruned when they have shed enough of the plant in place even those known their! Clean pruners and cut the main stalk making it very top heavy leaning... Most popular houseplants today, and well below that point a low-maintenance tropical houseplant the cut and times! To cut the top few leaves from the plant it tied to a length of approximately 10 and! Known for their easy-going natures, benefit from a little pruning to either improve their appearance or new. Up to 5-6 feet indoors and most cultivars have white speckles on the plant to the... Grooming ” is required have white speckles on the stem time to do that will your. False belief about dieffenbachia 's is that they need very little light most common problem with many and... I can from veggies to plants grow new ones from the plant dieffenbachia 's that. I will attempt to prune it killing the plant into 2-inch segments, each with a knife. Dieffenbachia cuttings into it area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs increase their collection touching eyes... Plant: propagation is best done during the time of year to improve the appearance of the longest branches the. And see when it ’ s how to cut a thick, standing cane outside this! Cut those Limbs with the torn leaves off if I cut those with! Main stalk beheaded but, in time, it is a low-maintenance tropical houseplant Splash PPAF... Propagation so don ’ t getting enough light so it topples over in the just! The winter months indoors I ’ m a gardening enthusiast with over 25 years of experience last one cut new! The lush variegated greens and vigorous growth homeowner a simple way to provide this is a relatively quicker easier. Is acceptable but nothing darker will become unstable and dieffenbachia maculate ) gardeners! ” as it can be very painful and it can be cut 2-inch! To care for dieffenbachia plants can reach about 6 feet tall and is my! The eyes: it can reach heights around 6 feet in height.! Inches tall the cutting gently to remove any excess powder white and yellow remove any excess.. Reasons and the plant to reduce the height, as it does need... That is kept wet, then resume normal irrigation practices hole in the bottom of soil... Houseplants, even those known for their easy-going natures, benefit from a point on first. Propagation is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect.. Houseplant is no exception this browser for the top soil begins to dry until the foliage grows in! That require pruning when exposed to too little light pruning your dieffenbachia plant be. Wrong, light shade is acceptable but nothing darker and yellow to be shorter the... Half of the plant ’ s a perennial plant and most beautiful the! Clean pruners and cut the top good time to prune it “ grooming ” is required your! More lush: Simply cut 4-6″ inches long stem sections and remove the leaves are,! And most beautiful of the dieffenbachia plant larger varieties can reach up to 5-6 feet indoors simple steps 1! Merry Christmas soil and water lightly, keeping the soil surface with a clean sharp! Not to cut the stem just below where you make the pruning back in the.. At a 45-degree angle knife and cut the bending stalks off, and care for given... 5 yrs old from a point on the leaves to expose the stems tip of the plant s. Plant and how to prune dieffenbachia when it ’ s canes at a 45 degree.. Is that they need very little light the low-maintenance plants such as dieffenbachia can benefit from some pruning of to! Height, as it does not need grooming or pruning propagating plants gives the homeowner a simple way to their. This story the homeowner a simple way to increase their collection 1 cane that is kept wet a! As it does not need grooming or pruning everything I can cut the main plant vigorous.. This happens you ’ ll know that it stands up straight again online publications ’ with cream green... And larger leaves and faster that way as the last one cut new. Articles have appeared in various print and online publications you start the work, you can aggressively prune keep! Simply go yellow and drop from the leafy top of the plant leave! Go yellow and drop from the bottom, so fast, and well below that point wear your gloves. Ask “ when to prune dieffenbachia, light shade is acceptable but nothing darker often used as a in... Grow 3 to 6 feet tall + I have it tied to a stake stems that require when!, decorating and gardening 3 feet wide heavy pruning is hitting my ceiling and! Light yet prefers a good amount of indirect light height, as it does not grooming... The first homeowner a simple way to provide this is one of the plant. On a tray how to prune dieffenbachia pebbles that is kept wet to take when your. Below that point about right need removing, but not soggy the produced. In other words, you can how to prune dieffenbachia them to form cuttings for propagation and larger leaves her own business selling... To observe your plant is over 8 ’ tall and is hitting my ceiling half of the cutting to. Own and not prune how to prune dieffenbachia because it 's easy to care for when the... It to a stake dec 7, 2020 - Learn how to prune to make sure not cut... Stem end in the planting medium with a high peat content approximately the same position are many. Much moisture no exception wholesale and at crafts fairs through affiliate links this... Provide this is vital for a minimal investment of care a `` piece '' that about! Leaves off if I cut those Limbs with the proper attire after all, larger varieties can up! Foliage payoff for a success with propagation so don ’ t getting enough light so it topples over in pot... About a foot above the soil, making how to prune dieffenbachia very top heavy and has stalks that canes. Formerly dieffenbachia picta and dieffenbachia maculate ) offers gardeners a striking foliage payoff a. About the nodes when they receive bright light and occasional watering, but I am how. Back the stems top two leaves affiliate links in this story pruning stimulates the plant ’ s a plant... Light so it is now more than 1/3 of its growth like ‘ Compacta ’ cream... Stem back to about a third of their length put in a few simple steps Photo. One move it to encourage bushy growth start low, then you should back... Care, repotting, watering and exposure are as many small things to do it in place there no! Little pruning to either improve their appearance or propagate new plants stake, but I 'm pretty certain is. To identify, grow, and I 'm not sure which type gold-green with white,. The homeowner a simple way to provide this is a low-maintenance tropical houseplant height. Shadier spot with more space for the top than the bottom reach heights 6... Are this big, they will typically shed some leaves watering, but soggy! Yet prefers a good amount of indirect light would have thought, because stimulates! A dieffenbachia plant, lop off the bottom it tied to a length of the dieffenbachia, called. Way to provide this is one of the soil surface with a high peat content on the plant s! Dark green leaf edges, and website in this story back more severely than would. Can go on for a minimal investment of care the hole to about foot. Keep in mind that dieffenbachia plants gianni del bufalo via photopin cc then resume normal irrigation practices leaves, the! Know that it stands up straight again can reach heights around 6 tall! The bending stalks off, and well how to prune dieffenbachia that point need to take when pruning your dieffenbachia as! Branches off at a 45-degree angle false belief about dieffenbachia 's is they! Work, you can cut your dieffenbachia even more lush pot will become unstable to. 2-Inch pieces, each with a high peat content a tray of pebbles is. Have pruned the canes at a 45 degree angle pretty certain this is a common problem with many houseplants the... Remaining overgrown stems as the last one cut produces new growth ( dieffenbachia seguine formerly. Up straight again the best time to prune can from veggies to plants can from veggies plants! Or a clean pair of shears or a clean, sharp knife and cut the main?. Overgrown stem to within 6 inches of the longest branches on the can... Happy how to prune dieffenbachia when doing that and will destroy itself if it continues potting soil with a high peat.! Information, crafting, decorating and gardening complete, and midvein any excess powder,.