Tuesday, April 28, 2009

I got my dieffenbachia in feb when should i repot it?

when you see roots in the bottom of the pot, tip the plant up and look in the drainage holes, if the roots are thick re pot, but only go up one size, pots go up in 2" increments


Problem w/ new potted Dieffenbachia?

I've had the plant for a little over a week. I had the nursery pot the two seedlings for me w/ standard potting soil in a regular clay pot. Here's the problem: the soil in the pot, all over, appears to be growing gray fur. I assume this is some kind of mold or fungus. What can I do to get rid of it without killing the plant?

Problem w/ new potted Dieffenbachia?
try digging up the top layer, and watering at a different time of day. The if that doesnt work, go back to the nursery and have them either fix it or give you new ones.
Reply:You probably have the soil too wet. Mould etc will not grow on drier soil. Water only when the top half inch of soil is dry. Remove the mould and throw it in a bin.


Cutting a dieffenbachia plant?

its getting to big should we cut it or trim if so what might happen to it

Cutting a dieffenbachia plant?
I had one that grew so much I had to start throwing out the cuttings, no one wanted any more...I cut it just above a bud, or a new branch...


On the dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) what does it mean by mist frequently? as in mist the leaves? if so how often?

Daily to 3 or 4 times a week should be sufficient.

On the dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) what does it mean by mist frequently? as in mist the leaves? if so how often?
Mist frequently on the leaves. I believe that it is 4-5 times per day.
Reply:These plants do best with daily misting of the leaves. These are tropical plants and like the humidity the misting provides. The can however tolerate dry conditions. When too dry, the leaf tips will turn brown.





These are one of the best choices for those who claim great skill at killing house plants. Try to maintain higher temperatures during the day in the 80 degree range and no lower than the 60s at night. Keep them out of drafts.
Reply:There is an easier way to raise the humidity. Set the pot inside a 'saucer' - a tray that goes under the plant to catch any water that runs out of the bottom - but fill the saucer with pebbles or small stones. Add water to this every few days as needed. You won't have to be concerned with misting the plant.





Please be aware that all parts dieffenbachia are poisonous. Do not allow pets or children to eat it.





Hope this helps.

augmon

What does dieffenbachia contains?

i am a little bit confused because i wonder what it contains why if it eaten, it can kill people or even animals?

What does dieffenbachia contains?
Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical plants in the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. Members of this genus are popular as houseplants because of their tolerance to shade. The Dieffenbachia is often referred to as the "King of Plants".





The cells of the Dieffenbachia plant contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals called raphides. If a leaf is chewed, these crystals cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat; swelling can occur along with a temporary inability to speak, and from this effect the plants are commonly called dumb cane (other names include Galatea and Leopard Lily). Chewing could result in death if swelling of the throat blocks the airway. Slaves were supposedly sometimes punished by having dieffenbachia put into their mouths . Young children (at the age where they regularly put things into their mouths) are at risk of suffocation and death if they eat or chew on Dieffenbachia leaves. Some cats eat houseplants and flowers; they are similarly at risk.
Reply:The Dieffenbachia contains a toxic sap thus giving the name Dumb Cane, ... It does not require a lot of care, yet adds a beautiful touch to your home. ...


Someone help me with my dieffenbachia?

Hello, i have a dieffenbachia camille and ive been looking at the soil and ive been noticing little white bugs in it. No webbing so far and the bugs seems to live in the soil and arent bigger than a millimeter, they are almost microscopic, but when you look they are everywhere. I noticed it when watering the plant. i was wondering if anyone has had the same problem with their plant and if they know what the bugs are. thank you

Someone help me with my dieffenbachia?
Mealy bugs.





A simple, effective way to kill them is mix 2 or 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to 1 cup of water, add a couple of drops of dish soap and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the soil and plant liberally with it, every few days, until you don't see any more mealy bugs.





Sometimes it can take a lot of applications to destroy a heavy infestation, but it can be done. I've killed lots of mealy bugs and other houseplant pests with it.
Reply:those are mealy bugs


Can I cut my 9 feet Dieffenbachia in half? it's getting too big for my hous.?

I hered that if you cut the plant,it's going to die.

Can I cut my 9 feet Dieffenbachia in half? it's getting too big for my hous.?
Yes. Just chop it off. You may even to be able to start the piece by letting it scar over and then plant it at least one node deep with the leaves removed at that point into fresh potting soil. If there's a node that is pushing out aerial roots then get them underground in the new pot to get a headstart on growing.





The Muse
Reply:Yes you can cut it back. I find the best method for cutting back large houseplants is air layering.


You will need some sphagnum moss, a piece of plastic approx. 12 inches x 18 inches long, and twist ties or old nylon ties.


Pick a spot on the stack 8 to 16 inches below the leaves at the top of the plant. Make an upward incision at a 45 degree angle. DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Taking the back of your knife push moistened moss into the cut. Taking the plastic make a pocket over the incision in which you will pack more moisened moss. This pocket will be sealed at the bottom and top with the twist ties or nylon. Keep the moss moist and over time root will begin to form. When you can see roots in the pocket, you can cut the plant off just below that level and plant it in a new pot.


You can throw the other part away or if you want more plants you can repeat the process.


If you need more information contact your local Extension office.


Good Luck.
Reply:Yes, you can cut it. In fact my mother in law had a big beautiful one for years. About every 2 years she had to cut it back. I think she called our local home and garden store to be told how to do it.....And it did fine. She really cut it back low.........It took about 2-3 months for it to look like it was growing again.....but it always looked great! Good luck!