Hi Judy. First of all not sure what kind of plant this is so not sure how to take care of it properly. Stems are long with leaves growing out the top and one recently toppled and is dying. Can I propagate the top part? Really not sure how to bring it back to life, it’s looking rather sad. Thanks in advance!
Hi Anika,
Dieffenbachia Plant
Your plant is called a Dieffenbachia and it is a very poisonous houseplant. Here are some care tips:
Light: Dieffenbachia Houseplants require medium to high light. Direct sun burns the leaves and too much bright light causes the vibrant leaf color to fade. When an indoor Dieffenbachia Plant does not get enough light, the new leaves are small and far apart on the stem.
Water: Water Dieffenbachia Houseplants well and then allow the top 2″-3″ of soil to dry out before watering again. These plants do best when watered on a regular schedule.
Fertilizer: Fertilize your Dieffenbachia only when the plant is actively producing new leaves. Most Dieffenbachia houseplants should be fed every two weeks in the summer and once a month in the spring and fall. Never feed a Dieffenbachia in the winter. Excess plant food causes browning around the edges of the leaves.
Temperature: Dieffenbachia Plants prefer temperatures above 60 degrees. The lower leaves on a Dieffenbachia turn yellow when exposed to cold drafts from doors, windows, or air conditioners.
Humidity: A Dieffenbachia Plant prefers high humidity but still does well in basic household humidity.
Flowering: Dieffenbachia Houseplants develop rather non-descript spath-like flowers. I recommend cutting Dieffenbachia Plant flowers off as soon as they appear since they slow leaf development.
Pests: The main plant pests to look out for on Dieffenbachia houseplants are spider mites and Mealy Bugs.
Diseases: Humidity loving Dieffenbachia Plants are subject to Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease, Erwinia Blight, and other bacterial diseases.
Soil: The best soil for Dieffenbachia houseplants is a rich organic mixture that drains quickly.
Pot Size: A Dieffenbachia likes to be a little pot-bound. Repot your plant in the spring if the roots have filled the existing pot. The new container should only be about an inch or two wider than the old container.
Pruning: Aggressively prune your Dieffenbachia to keep the plants bushy and prevent them from getting top heavy.
Propagation: Propagate Dieffenbachia houseplants using air layering and stem cuttings.
Poisonous Plant Info: Dieffenbachia Plants are extremely poisonous houseplants with a #4 toxicity level. If the sap of a Dieffenbachia Plant gets on your skin, wash it off immediately. Seek medical advice if a child or pet ingests any part of a Dieffenbachia.
