Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) care: light, water, and pet safety

Dieffenbachia spp.

Care table

Light	Medium light to bright indirect light. Medium to bright indirect.
Water	Water when the top inch dries. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity	Prefers 40 to 50 percent or more
Repotting	Spring to early summer, when roots circle the pot or grow out the drainage hole. Go up 1 to 2 inches in pot width.

Winter care

Keep above 60 F and water less. Lower leaves yellow with age; many at once means too wet or too cold.

Pet safety

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Dieffenbachia Chewing causes painful mouth swelling. Wash hands after pruning.

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Yellow lower leaves, soggy soil: Watering before the soil dried, or a pot with no drainage.
Bare lower stem: Normal aging. Air layer or cut back.

Illinois Extension, Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool