Grown primarily for its decorative foliage, dieffenbachia or dumbcane plant, from Central America, makes a striking feature plant, either on its own or in a massed arrangement. The large, downward pointing leaves are soft, fleshy, and marked with white or cream. The thick, woody, unbranched stem is inclined to become bare at the base as the plant ages. D.m. ‘Tropic White’ has large’ leaves blotched with white. D. m. ‘Veerie’ has green-yellow leaves with white blotches.

Size: Height to 5 ft. (1.5 m).

Light: Mainly indirect sunlight; direct sunlight m winter.

Temperature: Warm and humid; minimum 60°F (15°C).

Moisture: Keep moist at all times.

Feeding: Give standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring through to fall.

Propagation: Take tip cuttings, 4—6 in. (10—15 cm) long, in spring. Dip them in rooting hormone and keep warm (70°F/21°C) in a plastic bag or heated propagator. Alternatively take a 4 in. (10 cm) section of main stem with a growth bud and lay it horizontally on the potting soil, then treat as for a lip cutting.

Special needs: The common name is derived from the effect of the poisonous sap on the mouth and tongue (it causes painful swelling), so always wash your hands thoroughly after touching tins plant