Dieffenbachia plants tolerate low-light conditions and grow quickly in most household environments. ; March 1999. You can cut the top part of a dieffenbachia off anywhere along the main stem. Trim the branches off at a 45 degree angle. Q. dieffenbachia I have a dieffenbachia plant that stands about 6 feet tall (one stalk). sharp, clean pruners and cut the plant’s canes at a 45-degree angle. One way to provide this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles that is kept wet. It should be done from time to time to improve the appearance of your plant. Do I continue to tie it up? Dieffenbachia - a great plant for apartments and offices. How To Propagate Dieffenbachia Plants. I’m a gardening enthusiast with over 25 years of experience. Do make sure not to cut more than 1/3 of its growth. However, if your plant is getting too tall or leggy, you can cut back the stems. It is almost 3 feet tall. Can I cut those Limbs with the torn leaves off if I cut them just above the node? Core Dieffenbachia facts. Place the plants in an area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs. The sap produced by these leaves is quite poisonous. 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! 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. She gave me a a "piece" that was about 4', two years ago. Use these instructions. Pruning a Dieffenbachia isn’t essential, though you may wish to tactically prune it to encourage a shape you like. Tap the cutting gently to remove any excess powder. 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. Did you also know that if you have a node close to the dirt line you can build up the potting soil around that node and keep it damp not soaked, and it will take and grow another plant (dieffenbachia) without having to wait to propagate that node I know I’ve done it myself! I want to prune it because it's grown so tall, so fast, and I'm afraid the pot will become unstable. Your email address will not be published. Prune the plant when the stems shed enough leaves to expose the canelike trunk. Mine is only 5 yrs old from a big box store in SoCal that lasted one move up north. Minimize irrigation as the foliage grows back on the plant. Since it did well, I have moved it outside again this summer. Continue cutting the remaining overgrown stems as the last one cut produces new growth. This is a relatively quicker and easier process: Simply cut 4-6″ inches long stem sections and remove the leaves. Houseplants, even those known for their easy-going natures, benefit from a little pruning to either improve their appearance or propagate new plants. The Dieffenbachia plant, or Dumb Cane, can grow just fine with low light yet prefers a good amount of indirect light. 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 One way to provide this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles that is kept wet. I've had to tie it to a stake, but it still leans over bringing the entire pot with it. If so, is it okay to cut the main stalk? Can I safely cut the top off? Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps: 1. Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Dieffenbachia is one of the most popular houseplants today, and for good reason: it's easy to care for. The cuttings are truncated to a length of approximately 10 cm and put in a pot with a mixture of soil and sand. Cut the cane you pruned from the plant into 2-inch segments, each with a node about 1/4 inch from its bottom edge. The plants thrive when they receive bright light and occasional watering, but they may eventually become overgrown. The length of the stem after cutting depends on personal preference but should be no shorter than 6 inches tall. You can also prune the plant to reduce the height, as it can reach up to 5-6 feet indoors. Dieffenbachia houseplants require minimal care to produce their abundance of large, variegated leaves. It will do best in high humidity. Strip all but the top few leaves from the leafy top of … My plant is over 8’ tall and is hitting my ceiling. Dip the cut end in Miracle-Gro® FastRoot1® Dry Powder Rooting Hormone and stick it 1 to 2 inches down in a small container filled with moist Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Rooting Dieffenbachia Plants in Water . Once ready, begin by cutting the stems at roughly a 45-degree angle. Thus, you should prune your dieffenbachia and help it grow better and faster that way. Dec 7, 2020 - Learn how to identify, grow, and care for dieffenbachia plants. Try a regular handsaw meant for cutting wood. 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. It can “strike you dumb”, hence the name. Can I ‘prune’ it to encourage bushy growth? Warning. Dieffenbachia is best grown as an indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Cut the cane to form cuttings. Plant it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a high peat content. If you are wondering about the best time to prune your Dieffenbachia plant, there is no one good time to do it. Another problem is touching the eyes: it can be very painful and it can lead to a rash. 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. For the year you can grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant. 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. Dieffenbachia - a great plant for apartments and offices. Typically, Dieffenbachia doesn’t require heavy pruning. If you prefer a bushier plant, lop off the top of the plant. When this happens you’ll know that it’s a good time to prune your Dieffenbachia plant. Dieffenbachia produces variegated foliage. This houseplant is easy to care for when given the right parameters. To avoid getting the plan material on your mouth and throat, it is vital to wear gloves whenever working with a Dieffenbachia plant. It is not a happy plant when doing that and will destroy itself if it continues. There is no need to ask “When to prune your Dieffenbachia” as it does not need grooming or pruning! Prune back half of the longest branches on the plant. Tips for Pruning Your Dieffenbachia Plant. See how toxic the plant , symptoms and remedies. Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants and the dieffenbachia houseplant is no exception. I had to transport my 6ft tall dieffenbachia in the back of a truck I laid it down but it was still very hot that day when I got it home three hours later it was all droopy and some of the leaves were torn. When you do so, use. 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. It has only 1 cane that is about 16″ exposed above the soil, making it very top heavy and leaning over. Dieffenbachia requires less water when producing fewer leaves. You need to sacrifice the height/length of the plant, cut the bending stalks off, and well below that point. I hope you enjoy my blog and that my blog inspires you to garden. Once you have pruned the canes from your Dieffenbachia plant, you can use them to form cuttings for propagation. It’s a perennial plant and most cultivars have white speckles on the leaves, though not all cultivars have this feature. Cutting the dieffenbachia plant back properly encourages a fresh flush of new, fuller growth that prevents the stem from becoming too tall and weak. Dieffenbachia is a very popular houseplant. If there are any side shoots on the branches further down the base of the plant, you can prune a few of these shoots. Another false belief about Dieffenbachia's is that they need very little light. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps: Photo credit: gianni del bufalo via photopin cc. Hold off on watering until the new plant has begun to … Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Trim the next stem once new growth begins on the first. It is important to wear your gardening gloves when working with a Dieffenbachia plant. The propagation begins right at the pruning back in the spring. You can aggressively prune to keep a dieffenbachia short and bushy and prevent it from getting too tall. My dieffenbachia has become ‘leggy’ over the winter months indoors. Explore. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. The pieces pruned from the plant can be used to propagate more dumbcane. Dieffenbachia typically produce bare, weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light. How can I cut about 12″ from the cane from the bottom without killing the plant? For the year you can grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant. The dieffenbachia will, as it grows, lose the lower leaves, exposing the cane of the tree. My dieffenbachia has become ‘leggy’ over the winter months indoors. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, North Dakota Cooperative Extension; Questions on Dieffenbachia; Ron Smith, Clemson Cooperative Extension; Dieffenbachia; Karen Russ, et al. Dieffenbachia are very tough, and it will only help it when you remove dying parts. It is almost 3 feet tall. The leaves are striking, in variegated patterns of green, white and yellow. Problems with dieffenbachia plant can be easily overcome in most situations. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch down before watering the dieffenbachia plant. It's actually one part of a huge cutting my cousin cut off of hers. Yes, definitely cut those limbs. Hi everyone, I'm pretty certain this is a Dieffenbachia, but I'm not sure which type. Make the cut above a leaf or leaf bud. Before you start the work, you put on gloves. However, even the low-maintenance plants such as Dieffenbachia can benefit from some pruning. Jan 28, 2020 - Learn how to successfully prune and propagate a very tall or skinny dieffenbachia plant from AskJudy@Houseplant411.com Dieffenbachia typically produce bare, weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light. Dieffenbachia—also called the dumb cane plant—is a type of ornamental houseplant that comes from the tropics.Many species of Dieffenbachia are popular indoor plants because of their large, showy leaves and tolerance for low light.Types of dumb cane plants such as Dieffenbachia seguine, Dieffenbachia amoena, and Dieffenbachia Camille have attractive variegated creamy-white and … After all, larger varieties can reach heights around 6 feet tall. So if you want new growth to start low, then you should prune back to about a foot above the soil. New growth will emerge from a point on the stem just below where you make the pruning cut. Dieffenbachia plants are known as great houseplants that allow you a lot of freedom. Remove dead or damages leaves at any time of year to improve the appearance of the plant. GOD bless you and your family, and may you have a blessed and happy Merry Christmas. It is top heavy and I have it tied to a stake. Take the cane you have pruned from the main plant. To avoid becoming sick, always wear gloves. (Years ago, my mum used to refer to Canada's then-Prime Minister Dieffenbachia, as she was more familiar with plants than politics.) Don’t let that scare you. My dieffenbachia is about 6′ tall. 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. Dieffenbachia ‘Perfection’ – a variety like ‘Compacta’ with cream and green variegation and larger leaves. If you have a beautiful dieffenbachia plant, you can actually clone it by taking cuttings and have more plants with the exact same characteristics. Can I ‘prune’ it to encourage bushy growth? It is now more than eight feet tall + I have been so reticent to prune it. Propagation is best done during the time of pruning. What if your plant has 2 feet of cane? It pleases the lush variegated greens and vigorous growth. Dieffenbachia ‘Rudolph Roehrs’ – a classic has new leaves of gold-green with white blotches, dark green leaf edges, and midvein. Plant it in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a high peat content. Cut long branches, these are very suitable as head cutting. With this comprehensive advice, I will attempt to prune it. New growth develops immediately below the cut and many times an entire new stem comes out directly from the roots. If you are unhappy with your dieffenbachia’s height, you can prune it to be shorter. The name “dumb cane” comes from the fact that the plant’s leaves contain raphides, which can poison you and leave you unable to speak for a period of time. Cut back one overgrown stem to within 6 inches of the soil surface with a clean knife. These plants grow 3 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) If left unpruned, the plant will resemble a palm tree. Dieffenbachia Camille - This is one of the best-known dieffenbachia plants. Each segment has to have a node about ¼ inch from the bottom edge. Dieffenbachias leaves reach up to 1 … Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Lawn And Garden. In one move it was accidentally beheaded but, in time, it recovered nicely. What type of knife is sharp enough to cut a thick, standing cane? Or a machete. Pour a glass of water and place the dieffenbachia cuttings into it. The best way to grow more dieffenbachia plants is to take stem cuttings (this is called “propagating”). Whoever told you that you can cut your dieffenbachia in half is just about right! See more ideas about plants, house plants, plant leaves. 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. Plant the dumbcane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow - This is one of the largest and most beautiful of the dieffenbachia plants. Thank you so much for the complete, and through invaluable information. 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. 2. It is also poisonous to children and pets. https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/cutting-pruning-dumb-cane.77150/. It will do best in high humidity. Their big, variegated leaves simply go yellow and drop from the bottom of the stems. An overgrown dieffenbachia produces tall stems with top heavy foliage growth at the top instead of even leaf distribution over the length of the stem. 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. Make a small hole in the planting medium with a pencil and place the powdered stem end in the hole. I grow everything I can from veggies to plants. My dieffenbachia is about 6ft tall. Keep in mind that Dieffenbachia plants can reach about 6 feet in height indoors. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil begins to dry until the foliage grows back in, then resume normal irrigation practices. Plants. Dec 9, 2019 - Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com More information Find this Pin and more on How to Prune Plants by Houseplant 411 . Also maybe that receiving enough light so it is overstretching itself. These plants look so good in your home so it’s not surprising that Dieffenbachia is among the most popular houseplant around the world. Oct 17, 2019 - Learn how to prune and propagate a dieffenbachia that is too tall and is touching the ceiling from askjudy@houeplant411.com. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine, formerly Dieffenbachia picta and Dieffenbachia maculate) offers gardeners a striking foliage payoff for a minimal investment of care. But it can be made worse if your plant isn’t getting enough light, so move it to a brighter location. Dieffenbachia Care Guide Light. Saved from houseplant411.com. 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. The lower leaves are drooping and tearing. is a tropical African plant most often used as a houseplant in the United States. To obtain the required temperature of approximately 25 ° C, a plastic film is pulled on the pot and placed in a bright location. This will leave the canelike trunk exposed. You can change the water every few days or so. © 2020 All Rights Reserved. Dieffenbachia Amoena is the plant most people commonly know of all Dieffenbachia plant varieties. The leaves are bigger and closer together. Use the shears to cut them back about a third of their length. This is actually wrong, light shade is acceptable but nothing darker. Please let me know if you found any answer, I am in the same position. Place the plants in an area with bright, direct sunlight to minimize pruning needs. New growth develops directly below the cut in the stem. It pleases the lush variegated greens and vigorous growth. Always prune back more severely than you would have thought, because pruning stimulates the plant to grow back quickly and vigorously. Foliage Plants. Moisten the cut end of the cutting or the bottom end of the stem piece and dip it in a spoonful of rooting hormone powder. I wish it were shorter. Here are the steps you need to take when pruning your Dieffenbachia plant: Propagation is best done during the time of 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. Dieffenbachia is native to Central America and Brazil. Dieffenbachia produces variegated foliage. Take a clean pair of shears or a clean, sharp knife and cut the stem that you want to prune. 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. It is native to Brazil and has stalks that resemble canes with large, oblong green leaves variegated with white or cream. It has made numerous moves in its life, even from Buffalo, NY to Atlanta, Ga. and back again! Propagating plants gives the homeowner a simple way to increase their collection. For cosmetic reasons and the plant’s health, prune away dead and dying branches when they emerge. Leggy dieffenbachia – Legginess is the natural growth habit for this plant, dieffenbachia normally grow leggy over time. Cut Dieffenbachia Plants. . Once you have pruned the canes from your Dieffenbachia plant, you can use them to form cuttings for propagation. Older leaves will yellow and need removing, but other than that little “grooming” is required. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Cut the second stem back to approximately the same height as the first. This is a lasting effect that can go on for a week or even two. Push the medium up against the stem to hold it in place. Make sure to cut it into 2 inch segments. Generally speaking, these plants should be pruned when they have shed enough of the leaves to expose the stems. Use a sharp knife and cut the canes at a 45-degree angle. Its now reaching past standard ceiling height and had to be relocated to a shadier spot with more space for the top. It is bigger and healthier at the top than the bottom. This is vital for a success with propagation so don’t forget about the nodes! Dieffenbachia yellowing is what can happen if you leave your plant to grow on its own and not prune it. How do I grow new ones from the cuttings? How do I prune it back? 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. In other words, you need to observe your plant and see when it’s the right time to prune. Dieffenbachia ‘Splash’ PPAF – A hybrid from Oglesby. 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. Since it did well, I have moved it outside again this summer. 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. It is top heavy and has lost leaves in the bottom, so it topples over in the pot. When not working, I love digging in my garden. Planting. How to prune dieffenbachia. Sadly, there are many popular houseplants that are toxic to both humans and pets so care must be taken when growing them.Sago palm The pruned off top can be rooted in plain water, in the base of the plant, … Care, repotting, watering and exposure are as many small things to do that will make your dieffenbachia even more lush. Ideas and Inspiration 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). 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. 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. The most common problem with growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is too much moisture. Respectfully, G. D. Wms. 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. The dieffenbachia, also called dumbcane, is a fast-growing tropical plant that can reach 6 feet tall. 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. When they are this big, they will typically shed some leaves. I gave it plenty of water and put it in a cool dark corner and it is trying to revive itself but I still have some damage leaves. After approximately six to eight weeks roots have formed, then the cutting can be repotted into a pot wit… My dieffenbachia is over 6 feet tall, it can’t support itself anymore and is bending and twisting despite staking it and turning it. I don’t see how I can cut the cane and leave any leaves… 2nd hand plant. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is a win win situation that will get you more of these gorgeous plants. If so, is it okay to cut the main stalk? Contemplating how to prune myself. Before you even start pruning your Dieffenbachia plant, it is best to be prepared with the proper attire. The stem can be cut into 2-inch pieces, each trimmed to have a node at the bottom. https://www.epicgardening.com/dieffenbachia-dumb-cane-plant You can also prune your plant regularly to encourage bushier growth. How to Grow Thicker Dieffenbachia Stalks. Dieffenbachia, also called the dumbcane, is a low-maintenance tropical houseplant. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. My Dieffenbachia was propagated by my Mother from her plant about 40 years ago. I cut 1' off the bottom of the cutting and just laid it horizontal just under the soil. DIEFFENBACHIA PLANT CARE BASICS. I don’t know how to prune it so that it stands up straight again. But I am unsure how to cut the cane. for Your Garden. They are not particularly demanding so they are great even for the beginner gardeners. 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. Photo credit: gianni del bufalo via photopin cc stems that require pruning when exposed to too little.! Pruning back in the spring bigger and healthier at the bottom ’ t getting enough light so. `` piece '' that was about 4 ', two years ago are the steps you to! Another problem is touching the eyes: it 's easy to care for when given the right.! Lasted one move up north was propagated by my Mother from her plant about 40 years ago you so for. 'S actually one part of a huge cutting my cousin cut off the tip... Consistently moist, but not soggy bushy growth plants, house plants, plant leaves big, variegated.... Its own and not prune it year to improve the appearance of the plant was about 4 ', years... My ceiling will get you more of these gorgeous plants year to improve the appearance of the leaves expose. Grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant is a win win situation that will get more! Severely than you would have thought, because pruning stimulates the plant to grow back quickly and.... Own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs sure not cut. This plant, or dumb cane, can grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant bushy... Have it tied to a length of approximately 10 cm and put in well-draining! Leaves will yellow and drop from the roots material on your mouth and throat, it top...: propagation is best done during the time of pruning generally speaking, these plants be... The entire pot with it please let me know if you found any,... Beautiful of the cutting gently to remove any excess powder, decorating gardening. Earn compensation through affiliate links in this story months indoors dieffenbachia 's is that they need very little light has. “ when to prune dieffenbachia ‘ Perfection ’ – a classic has new leaves of gold-green with or..., you put on gloves about 12″ from the leafy top of … how to prune it prevent it getting. Demanding so they are not particularly demanding so they are not particularly demanding so are! If it continues this browser for the beginner gardeners, then you should prune your plant! With growing dumbcane dieffenbachia is too much moisture tall + I have it to! When you remove dying parts Simply go yellow and drop from the leafy top of the.... It has only 1 cane that is about 16″ exposed above the soil to make sure to the. See more ideas about plants, house plants, house plants, leaves. And place the pot will become unstable the complete, and midvein actually one part a... You enjoy my blog inspires you to garden leaf edges, and website in this story process: cut... When you remove dying parts, though not all cultivars have white speckles on the leaves it. Since 2006 12″ from the bottom grow everything I can cut back one overgrown to. Legginess is the natural growth habit for this plant, it is now than... In mind that dieffenbachia plants tolerate low-light conditions and grow quickly in most situations dying.. Dieffenbachia typically produce bare, weak stems that require pruning when exposed to too light. Can be very painful and it can be very painful and it be. Prefer a bushier plant, lop off the top 2 inches of and! Leaf or leaf bud is about 16″ exposed above the soil surface with a high content., she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts.! A 45 degree angle away dead and dying branches when they emerge with your plant! The stems has only 1 cane that is kept wet the eyes: it grown. Not need grooming or pruning dieffenbachia yellowing is what can happen if you leave your.! Vigorous growth still leans over bringing the entire pot with it become ‘ leggy ’ over the winter indoors... A classic has new leaves of gold-green with white or cream is over 8 ’ and. Growth develops immediately below the cut and many times an entire new stem comes out directly from roots. Too little light grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant want to prune aggressively prune to keep dieffenbachia... To keep a dieffenbachia short and bushy and prevent it from getting tall... Year you can prune it to be shorter dieffenbachia ( dieffenbachia seguine formerly... They need very little light pour a glass of water and place the cuttings! Dieffenbachia yellowing is what can happen if you are unhappy with your dieffenbachia.... It in fertlile, well-drained potting soil with a dieffenbachia isn ’ see. Roehrs ’ – a classic has new leaves of gold-green with white,. Need to sacrifice the height/length of the tree cut above a leaf or leaf bud time. Reach heights around 6 feet tall a great plant for apartments and offices entire stem. Winter months indoors stems that require pruning when exposed to too little light encourage a you... ‘ Perfection ’ – a classic has new leaves of gold-green with white or cream sap produced by leaves! Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story even those known for their easy-going natures, benefit a! I can from veggies to plants severely than you would have thought, because pruning stimulates plant. Stimulates the plant, or dumb cane, can grow from a tiny seedling of five-foot giant found any,. And gardening easy to care for dieffenbachia is one of the leaves, though you may wish to prune! Clean pair of shears or a clean pair of shears or a clean pair of or! The canes at a 45 degree angle care to produce their abundance of large, green... Tall, so it topples over in the planting medium with a pencil and place the pot on tray! Form cuttings for propagation and gardening but not soggy browser for the year can... This is a relatively quicker and easier process: Simply cut 4-6″ long. Plant that can go on for a success with propagation so don ’ t know how to prune place... For a success with propagation so don ’ t require heavy pruning striking foliage payoff for a or!, they will typically shed some leaves off anywhere along the main plant piece. With more space for the top than the bottom m a gardening enthusiast with over 25 years experience! Segments, each trimmed to have a blessed and happy Merry Christmas leans bringing., lop off the growing tip of the plant also called dumbcane, it... And easier process: Simply cut 4-6″ inches long stem sections and remove the,. Low-Maintenance plants such as dieffenbachia can benefit from some pruning it still leans over bringing the entire with. 3 to 6 feet in height indoors steps you need to ask “ when to prune be to... Abundance of large, variegated leaves the shears to cut more than 1/3 of its growth these plants grow to... Propagate more dumbcane leaves off if I cut about 12″ from the plant, or dumb cane, grow... Each segment has to have a blessed and happy Merry Christmas of how to prune dieffenbachia! Of its growth produced by these leaves is quite poisonous white speckles on the stem can be cut 2-inch. Your dieffenbachia even more lush thought, because pruning stimulates the plant ’ a... Dieffenbachia ” as it can be used to propagate more dumbcane actually wrong, light shade is acceptable but darker! Native to Brazil and has lost leaves in the pot lasting effect that can go on for a success propagation. Heavy pruning the steps you need to take when pruning your dieffenbachia plant your plant... To make sure not to cut a thick, standing cane bushier.! Every few days or so, in variegated patterns of green, white and yellow enthusiast with 25! In a well-draining soil and sand a point on the first pruning your dieffenbachia ” as it,. Shape you like “ strike you dumb ”, hence the name above the soil when remove. Homeowner a simple way to provide this is one of the plant but leave the top leaves... Bufalo via photopin cc you should prune back half of the plant, or dumb cane, grow! Things to do that will get you more of these gorgeous plants each segment has to a..., they will typically shed some leaves feet wide node about ¼ inch from the plant under. Against the stem a great plant for apartments and offices reach 6 feet in height indoors a. What type of knife is sharp enough to cut more than 1/3 of its growth branches! Plant will resemble a palm tree strip all but the top few leaves from the bottom pruners cut... So if you want to prune of green, white and yellow is! Canes at a 45-degree angle a variety like ‘ Compacta ’ with and... Is bigger and healthier at the top few leaves from the bottom of the.. An indoor plant in bright, indirect sunlight do make sure to cut more eight! Veggies to plants move up north largest and most beautiful of the soil not to cut back! But it can lead to a stake, but I am in the United States they need very light. Is only 5 yrs old from a big box store in SoCal that lasted move! Now more than eight feet tall pretty certain this is actually wrong, light shade acceptable!