Araceae
Dieffenbachia seguine
Bring instant tropical elegance to your space with Dieffenbachia. Its large, patterned leaves brighten corners and make receptions and living rooms feel lush and premium. Easy to maintain with simple watering and medium light—perfect for stylish interiors. (Keep away from pets and children due to irritating sap.)
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Dieffenbachia
Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia seguine
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0013
Alternative Names:
دفنباخ
Dumb cane
Leopard lily
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Dieffenbachia
Species: D. seguine
3. Origin & Distribution
Native range: Southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador).
Widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant worldwide and naturalized in tropical regions.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Large, elliptic to ovate, glossy green with cream to yellow mottling or marbling.
Stems: Succulent, cane-like, green to pale yellow.
Growth habit: Upright, clumping cane plant with arching leaves giving a tropical appearance.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height: Typically 0.5–1.5 m (1.5–5 ft).
Leaf size: 20–60 cm (8–24 in) long.
Spread: Up to 0.5–1 m (1.5–3 ft) wide per cane cluster.
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light ideal; no direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Tolerates low to medium light but variegation may fade in deep shade.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry.
Reduce watering in winter; avoid letting plant sit in standing water.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite or coarse sand.
Maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).
Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F).
Minimum temperature: 15 °C (60 °F); avoid cold drafts.
High humidity (60%+) preferred; mist leaves or use humidity tray.
10. Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care level: Moderate.
Remove yellowing leaves and prune stems to maintain shape.
Wipe dust from leaves to improve light absorption and appearance.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings or division.
Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist potting mix.
Division best performed during repotting in spring.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids – treat with insecticidal soap.
Diseases: Root rot from overwatering; leaf spot from poor air circulation.
Symptoms: Yellow leaves from overwatering or low light; brown leaf edges from low humidity or fluoride in water.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental foliage plant adding tropical interest indoors.
Air-purifying qualities (removes formaldehyde, xylene).
Ideal for offices, lobbies, living rooms, reception areas.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals; sap can cause irritation.
Toxic to pets (cats, dogs) and humans if ingested: causes drooling, oral irritation, swelling of mouth and throat.
Wear gloves when pruning; keep out of reach of children and pets.
Dieffenbachia seguine
Bring instant tropical elegance to your space with Dieffenbachia. Its large, patterned leaves brighten corners and make receptions and living rooms feel lush and premium. Easy to maintain with simple watering and medium light—perfect for stylish interiors. (Keep away from pets and children due to irritating sap.)
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Dieffenbachia
Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia seguine
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0013
Alternative Names:
دفنباخ
Dumb cane
Leopard lily
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Dieffenbachia
Species: D. seguine
3. Origin & Distribution
Native range: Southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador).
Widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant worldwide and naturalized in tropical regions.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Large, elliptic to ovate, glossy green with cream to yellow mottling or marbling.
Stems: Succulent, cane-like, green to pale yellow.
Growth habit: Upright, clumping cane plant with arching leaves giving a tropical appearance.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor height: Typically 0.5–1.5 m (1.5–5 ft).
Leaf size: 20–60 cm (8–24 in) long.
Spread: Up to 0.5–1 m (1.5–3 ft) wide per cane cluster.
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light ideal; no direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Tolerates low to medium light but variegation may fade in deep shade.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry.
Reduce watering in winter; avoid letting plant sit in standing water.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite or coarse sand.
Maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).
Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F).
Minimum temperature: 15 °C (60 °F); avoid cold drafts.
High humidity (60%+) preferred; mist leaves or use humidity tray.
10. Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care level: Moderate.
Remove yellowing leaves and prune stems to maintain shape.
Wipe dust from leaves to improve light absorption and appearance.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings or division.
Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist potting mix.
Division best performed during repotting in spring.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids – treat with insecticidal soap.
Diseases: Root rot from overwatering; leaf spot from poor air circulation.
Symptoms: Yellow leaves from overwatering or low light; brown leaf edges from low humidity or fluoride in water.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental foliage plant adding tropical interest indoors.
Air-purifying qualities (removes formaldehyde, xylene).
Ideal for offices, lobbies, living rooms, reception areas.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals; sap can cause irritation.
Toxic to pets (cats, dogs) and humans if ingested: causes drooling, oral irritation, swelling of mouth and throat.
Wear gloves when pruning; keep out of reach of children and pets.