Mystery Plant Needs Identification

Hi Judy,

I have a plant that I am unable to identify, and therefore unable to care for properly. It arrived in a dish garden from my brother’s funeral and is very special to me but seems to be growing out of control. Please help me identify this plant so I can keep it living!

Thank you so much,
Gina

Hi Gina,

Your plant is a type of Dieffenbachia. You can read all my care tips in the Popular Houseplant section of the website. The picture is of a different variety, but the care is the same.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/how-to-grow-a-dieffenbachia-care-guide

Your plant is getting so leggy because it needs better light. You may have to be brave and cut some of the stems way back in order for the plant to become full and bushy and then put it in bright, indirect light.

All parts of a Dieffenbachia are extremely poisonous which is how they earned the nickname “dumb cane plant”and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants.