Common name: Dumb cane Latin name: Dieffenbachia maculata Family: Araceae Genus: Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) is a tropical plant commonly used as a houseplant. Leaves are variegated with white, cream, yellow and are very decorative. It is toxic and can cause cause swelling if ingested. May also cause a rash if sap comes in contact with skin. Sunlight requirements: Tolerant to shade. Direct light recommended during winter. Watering requirements: Can be watered when soil has become dry. Water thoroughly when watering. Do not overwater. Propagation: Stem cuttings, air layering Other common names: Mother-in-law plant [flickr]dieffenbachia,plante[/flickr]
I wonder where it got the name 'Mother in Law' plant from? A lovely variaged foliage specimen but not one to have in the house if you have children around.
The sap from this plant causes paralysis in the vocal cords, the saying goes if given to your mother-in-law, then she can't talk and you therefore don't have to listen to her.
Nice explanation, makes sense Is anyone growing this among their collection of houseplants? I have one here and it is pretty easy to maintain.
I have one of the little suicidal 'Camille' types. It was never happy in its' pot, and is one of very few plants that doesn't perk up if/when put in the ground for temporary summer vacation. As we speak, it's busily contemplating suicide in a spot/conditions any other similar plant would love. If it does carry through with offing itself, I won't replace it because I will be over my quota for dead Camille Diefs. I got it in trade as a generous and well-intentioned bonus, and maybe it can sense I was like "oh crap" when I saw it, having already decided this was a plant that just doesn't like me as a species, not just on a personal, individual basis regarding one but not all individuals. I'd love to find one of the more stalwart ones with much bigger leaves. Amalgamating a glut of anecdotes over the yrs, the bigger ones are much less fussy, but are more expensive to buy at their larger size and need a lot more space in the house. Agree, not a good fit for those with kids (at least until they are big enough to not molest potted plants,) or pets. Some Dieffenbachias and Aglaonemas are so similar in appearance that they are confused for each other. If one likes Dief, check out Ags too (AKA Chinese evergreen.) That comes in an even wider variety of leaf colors.
