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| Photo Credit: Gerald Klingaman |
| This ‘Amoena’ dumbcane has been cut back to its main trunk several times over the years, and each time it’s come back fuller and more beautiful. |
You see them everywhere in American homes and offices – the lovely, lush Dieffenbachia. And with good reason: They work well inside, don’t have many pest problems, and they don’t need much light. In fact, they’ve been around since 1759 – so I’d say this is one plant with good staying power!
Also known as dumbcanes, these indoor beauties are easy to grow: They just need a bit of light and some regular care. This includes keeping it out of direct sun (or the leaves will sunburn) and letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings (but don’t let it become bone-dry). There are some great dumbcane selections to choose from. Try an old favorite like Dieffenbachia seguine ‘Amoena’. This cultivar makes quite a statement, reaching 6-8 feet tall! Its 18-inch-long leaves cluster at the ends of stout, segmented trunks that often grow 2 or more inches in diameter. The plant has cream-colored, finger-shaped blotches equally spaced down the length of the leaves and is representative of the older dumbcanes. Newer types like ‘Triumph’, ‘Tropic Star’ and ‘Honey Dew’ have creamy-white or yellow variegation patterns over much of the leaf, as well as more compact, free-branching growth habits.
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