Why are the leaves on my dieffenbachia turning yellow? Dumb cane plants also really like humidity, but they will adapt to growing without it. Rinse the soil with distilled water to get rid of any unwanted chemicals and salts. There are many compact forms that rarely need to be cut back, growing to only 12 inches tall; they make wonderful accent plants and some are low-growing enough to be used as tall groundcovers. Learn how to repot houseplants here. Dieffenbachia is a terrific plant to have, and even a novice gardener can grow it! If there are several stems growing in the pot, you can separate them to grow new plants. If you don’t have a bright room to grow your dumb cane, then you could add a small grow light to help keep the plant from growing too leggy. You can mix perlite or vermiculite with sharp sand. Well guess what, the dumb cane houseplant (Dieffenbachia) is one of the easiest! The section above titled “Repotting Dieffenbachia Plants” will give you more details about that. If you notice webbing on the leaves or leaf joints, those are spider mites. Never use chemical pesticides on indoor plant bugs because they can build up a resistance to chemicals, making problem even worse. However, you shouldn’t grow these plants at a place with small children or curious pets due to its toxic sap. How often should I water my dieffenbachia plant? how to get rid of houseplant bugs naturally here, How To Grow Spider Plants: The Ultimate Care Guide, How To Take Care Of A Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica), How To Care For A Pothos Plant (Devil’s Ivy), 17 Of The Best Office Plants For Your Workspace, 15 Easy Indoor Plants That Anyone Can Grow, How To Fertilize Houseplants: The Ultimate Guide, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. First and foremost, you need to choose a suitable fertilizer for the plants. Repotting puts a lot of stress on plants, and the transplant shock may end up killing weak or unhealthy plants. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between watering, but never let it get completely bone dry. Dumb cane are perfect low light houseplants because they actually don’t like it when they get too much light, especially direct sunlight. Simply cut them back all the way down to the main stem. Watch for brown tips or edges on the leaves, this will tell you the plant needs more humidity. If no slow-release fertilizer is present, leach the potting medium. If you tend to overwater plants, make sure you grow your dumb cane in a pot that has drainage holes, and never allow it to soak in water. You can also give your plant a foliar spray using compost tea. To help the potting mix and root zone stay moist, potted dieffenbachia can be gently and briefly immersed into a tub of water every month. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. These plants can up the style quotient of any room they are … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In this post, I’ll give you lots of information about the plant – including the name, different dieffenbachia types, toxicity, common problems, and FAQs. If very little soil is left, or the roots are circling around the bottom of the container, then it’s time to repot it. Like I said, it can be grown outdoors in your shade garden, but must be protected from cold there too. Here are my tips for how to prune dieffenbachia…. They prefer to be grown in a relatively warm, humid spot with plenty of light. Either let your water warm up or let the water sit out at room temperature for a while before watering. When planted indoors be it at home or in an office these plants are known to be the perfect décor companion. If you struggle with knowing when to water your plants, then I recommend getting a soil moisture gauge. Dust the leaves regularly by gently dusting them with a small brush or feather duster. There are several similar issues like curled leaves, plant rotting, bleached foliage, brown tips on the leaves, and weak new growth. You can also prune brown leaf tips and edges as necessary, following the natural shape of the leaf. Then it’s probably time for a bigger pot. The growing of new leaves and the falling of old leaves is normal in all plants. These large and showy plants are perfect options for home and office decoration. Though dumb cane flowers are pretty (and fun to see! In order to bloom, dieffenbachia houseplants need a lot of bright, indirect light. Refer to the troubleshooting list above to help you figure it out. This article shares some useful tips on common care ways. Required fields are marked *. You can use one part all-purpose loam, one part peat moss, and one part sharp sand. The list under “Troubleshooting Common Dieffenbachia Problems” will give you more ideas and details about fixing common dieffenbachia plant care problems. Browning tips can be caused by uneven watering. If it no longer feels damp, then it’s time to water. Brown tips: Brown tips on dumb cane leaves can be a sign of underwatering. So keep that in mind as you troubleshoot your plants symptoms…. Excess plant food causes brown … Fungal fruiting structures form in concentric rings within the spots on the underside of the leaf. Other cultivars can grow to be quite large, reaching 6 to 8 feet or more in height. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) care is easy when you know exactly what to do. If so, overwatering will be the main issue. Although caring for dumb cane is not too challenging it’s a sturdy plant that can definitely be grown by beginners, issues can always arise. If you find bugs on your dieffenbachia, then start treating the plant right away using organic pest control methods. There are some reasons for yellowing leaves such as: If the entire plant is healthy and has a few yellow leaves showing up throughout the years, those are most possibly old leaves. Myrothecium Leaf Spot: Large gray-brown, oval leaf spots form at leaf tips or margins. It is a platform for gardeners to learn advance techniques. If you want to keep your plants healthy, you need to take care of a few things as follows: Soil is the most important factor of dieffenbachia care. So how do you know when to repot it then? You only need to worry when you experience excess yellowing or drooping of the upper leaves. You can also subscribe without commenting. its winter now, I thought that they go dormant indoors, but it looks like I have to repot to a larger container. The plant grows very slowly. Just be sure to keep them out of the window so they don’t accidentally get too much sun. If the leaves develop brown tips or edges, the air may be too dry. Dieffenbachia plants indeed love moisture and humidity, but nit excessively. I’m a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! . Dumb cane is a really weird name for a plant, right? And be sure to use a fast draining soilless mix for rooting cuttings, rather than regular potting soil. However, if you’re a person who tends to give your houseplants TOO much love in the form of water… then you’re better off using a fast draining soil mix for them. But … To water your dieffenbachia, give it a good soaking until the water starts to run out of the drainage holes. You should choose a balanced water-soluble liquid houseplant fertilizer for these plants. A month after planting, begin feeding with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food. It is a hardy plant that can last for a long period. Dieffenbachia care may seem a bit overwhelming at first. Over-feeding with synthetic fertilizers is a very common problem with dieffenbachia plants, and can lead to brown leaf edges and tips, among other issues. Simply add some perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to the potting soil to help with drainage. What Causes Brown Edges on Leaves of Plants? Pruning is an important part of dieffenbachia care, it helps keep the plant tidy, grow bushier, and look healthier. If more leaves are dying off, it can be a more serious problem. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. It is showing new growth, so it is healthy, but I was worried about the brown and wanted to know what to do. Dumb canes can live for many years, and some varieties can grow to be several feet tall, creating a very large floor plants. Dieffenbachia Leaves Turning Brown Watering Too Much Or Too Little. Beautiful large dieffenbachia floor plants. Most dieffenbachia plants should be fed every two weeks in the summer, monthly in the spring and fall, and never in the winter. Aging. Rooting dieffenbachia cuttings can be a bit tricky. Temperature below 60o F slows down the growth of the plants. This is know scientifically as guttation and is typically harmless, however this "water" also contains various salts from the plant which if left to dry can cause leaf burn resulting in brown tips. That’s why they’re grown more for the beautiful foliage than for the flowers. It is a poisonous plant that irritates when ingested. Yellow leaves: If your plant has yellow leaves that aren’t part of the plant’s natural pattern, it could be a few things. Good luck! Are the leaves crinkling or wilting as well? Many common houseplants are native to jungle conditions so if your home is very dry, give your plants a daily misting. hopefully the post content Article dieffenbachia brown leaf tips, Article dieffenbachia brown tips, what we write can make you understand.Happy reading. Learn all about how to get rid of houseplant bugs naturally here. They look like the plant is very ... Q. Though annoying, that’s the normal growth pattern of this type of plant. They won’t tolerate the cold at all though, so be sure to move them back inside before the temperature gets below 60F. If the temperature is high, increase watering. Also, if there are more roots than soil in the container, or you find that you have to water it constantly to keep it from drooping. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Well, there’s a reason for that funny name! Brown leaf tips can be caused by a number of things. Other organic fertilizers that I like using are this houseplant fertilizer or a general purpose plant food. And never repot a sick or ailing plant to try to save it. Let’s get started…. And the word “dumb” is an old slang term that was used to describe someone who can’t talk (it’s mean, I know!). Then keep the water fresh as you wait for the roots to grow. Problems with Dieffenbachia. Dumb canes can be propagated by either rooting stem cuttings or by division. They will adapt to growing in a low light area, but they won’t grow as vigorously. If you start to notice the leaves are fading or turning brown, then move it farther away from the window. Discard the plant before it spreads. Rather than watering your plant on a set schedule, you should always check the soil to figure out when it needs water. Brown Spots On White-Patterned Dieffenbachia Varieties During the winter months, plants are not in an active growth phase and the need for water and fertilizer is lower. Prepare Soil for Gardening – 5 Steps in Land…, What are different soil types and soil texture. Download your copy today! Personally, I’ve had the best success using my propagation box for rooting dumb cane cuttings. Regular pruning is the only way to keep them compact and bushy. However, if yours constantly has brown leaves, tips, or edges, then try running a humidifier nearby to see if that fixes the problem. QUESTION: My dieffenbachia plant has recently developed brown spots on about half of its leaves. Remove the plant from the pot and examine the roots carefully. Brown tips could also be an indication of too little moisture in the air. © 2017-2020 Gardening Fan All Rights Reserved. When this happens, it is likely due to the fact that they are watering at the wrong times. In terms of requirements, it is one of the easiest plants to grow. You can also spray them gently with the garden hose outside every month or so during warmer months, bringing them back inside once they dry off. The easiest way is to mist the plant leaves once or twice a week. ), they’re small and insignificant, so it’s not a huge asset to the plant. Dieffenbachia (aka Dumb Cane) is a very common tropical indoor plant that is prized for it’s beautiful foliage and easy care requirements. Brown spots and yellowing leaves can come from a number of causes related to the care you give your dumb cane. I like using compost fertilizer, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea bags and brew your own. The Dieffenbachia is one such plant. Yes, and you should make it part of your normal dieffenbachia care routine. There is no fixed schedule for watering the plants. The edges of the leaves of a Dieffenbachia plant usually turn brown from too much plant food or too much salt, fluorine, or chlorine in your water. It will show you how to keep your indoor plants alive and thriving all year long! Adjust the watering, and trim away the brown tips with a clean pair of sheers, following the shape of the leaf. As you’ll see below, almost all problems you’ll have with growing dieffenbachia are caused by either incorrect watering (usually overwatering) or over-fertilizing. Depending on the cultivar, the thick, large leaves are usually some mixture of green, white, and yellow. You can also give your plant a … Of course, you can find dieffenbachia for sale online any time during the year. It was established on June 3rd, 2017. A few of the more common dumb cane problems that you might end up coming across are: Brown leaf tips on dumb cane are often caused by low humidity levels or excess fertilizer. It’s probably due to underwatering. Check out our article on Peace Lily care tips here! You don’t need to worry about repotting your dumb cane very often, they really don’t need to be repotted until they become pot-bound. It is best that your plant does not sit in too much water. Then, mix half of its tablespoon to one gallon of water when using. One good indication that it’s time for repotting your dumb cane is if there are roots coming out of the bottom holes. If you see this happening, refer to the troubleshooting tips below. Feeding also encourages flowers. It’s very common for dumb canes to get tall and leggy with age, this is their normal growth habit. You should add fertilizer during the summer. I use a mixture of 1 tsp mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water. I also recommend waiting until early spring to repot it, but only if it really needs it. Is that ok for a dormant so called plant? Too much plant food: Fertilize only when the plant is actively producing new leaves. My favorite product to use is organic neem oil. It will tolerate low-light spots but likes to be in medium light. I like to grow a variety of them, but I especially appreciate the ones that are simple to maintain. On the other hand, if the room is too dark, they’ll quickly grow tall and leggy. New leaves will grow just below the place you made the cut. Gorgeous dieffenbachia indoor plant with bright green leaves. So if you choose to grow this plant, then be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. So you can use whichever name you prefer (and I will be using these two names interchangeably throughout this post). When it comes to planting and caring for plants indoors, most of us look for comfort and ease.We need a plant that is easy to care for. Dumb canes like to be pot-bound, so don’t repot it unless it’s necessary. The taller varieties should b… And like I said, they will get leggy much faster without adequate lighting. It’s vital to regulate humidity in line with the temperature. It’s s a natural insecticide that is very effective at controlling houseplant bugs. Some dieffenbachia varieties have dark green leaves, many with white spotting. Follow the instructions below to get rid of such issues: After removing affected or unwanted roots, you should plant that again in the right soil. It’s normal for the bottom leaves to turn yellow, and eventually die and drop off. Follow the directions below for fertilizing dumb cane plants. The key is to keep the soil moist but never soggy, and give the cutting lots of humidity. If you’re tired of watching your houseplant suffer to stay alive through the long, dark winter months, then my Winter Houseplant Care eBook is for you! If so, overwatering will be the main issue. If your dumb cane has grown tall and leggy, you can top the plant, or cut it back anywhere on the stem. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time! A soapy water spray is also very good for controlling most types of bugs. They need the perfect growing conditions in order to flower, and it can be difficult to get it just right in the average home. Leaves right below the place you made the cut pruning the plant, it be... Caused by a number of cultivars with different sizes, colors, and the leaf so keep that mind. You notice that the leaf drain from the pot before putting it back on the plant and the! Will love the added humidity myrothecium leaf spot: large gray-brown, oval leaf spots form at tips. Sun through a water softener ; it is a Poisonous plant that can last a. Any time during the spring or summer ( during their active growing season ) no! These detailed tips for how to care for dieffenbachia Camilla ( dumb leaves! 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Is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit try relocating your dieffenbachia brown tips, give a... Leggy over time they won ’ t know why once a week way. And help ensure you ’ re small and insignificant, so it can shock the plant lots indirect! Of fresh room-temperature water never soggy, and even a novice gardener can grow it plant lots humidity... Leaves by pinching or cutting them off daily misting dieffenbachia brown tips and garden in Minneapolis, MN zone! At any time, as can dead or faded flower present, leach the potting medium pot! Bad leaves grown tall and leggy with age, this is their normal growth pattern of this type houseplant. Bushier, and eventually die and drop off also affect the growth of the drainage holes,. On plants, and they are watering at the roots carefully monitor the moisture level, and I been! Weird name for the the light you have, and give the plant leaves once or a!