How to properly care for dieffenbachia at home, planting and pruning
People often wonder how to properly care for dieffenbachia. This plant has excellent decorative properties and is very popular. It should be borne in mind that it contains toxic components, so you need to handle it very carefully. To successfully grow Dieffenbachia, you need to provide it with comprehensive care.
Plant characteristics
This plant belongs to the category of evergreen plants of the aroid family.In its natural, natural conditions, the flower grows in the tropics of the American continent. The culture takes its name from the gardener Joz. Dieffenbach.Under natural conditions, there are 40 types of culture. For the dieffenbachia indoor bush, rapid growth is characteristic. Some varieties are able to reach 2 meters in 5 years.
Rules of care
For a plant to develop normally, many characteristics must be taken into account.
Lighting
Dieffenbachia is considered a shade-tolerant crop. However, it is best to put it in a lighted place. In the shade, the leaves of the plant lose their decorative properties. At the same time, in the summer, the culture should be shaded to prevent burns.
watering mode
In order for the plant to develop normally, it must be watered regularly. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. From spring to autumn, the culture needs good watering. In winter, the soil is moderately moistened. It is recommended to use settled water for irrigation.
Humidity
Dieffenbachia negatively refers to increased dryness of the air. The plant needs systematic spraying. It is also recommended to frequently wash the leaves of the culture.
Temperature regime
The plant is considered thermophilic. It does not tolerate drafts and low temperatures. Culture should be at a temperature of at least +18 degrees.
Soil requirements
It is recommended to plant a crop in slightly acidic soil. It should be loose and light. It is best to mix sand, peat, turf and leafy soil in a 1: 1: 1: 4 ratio.
top dresser
In spring and summer, it is recommended to apply fertilizers every 1.5-2 weeks. Any nutritional formula will work for dieffenbachia.The main thing is that it does not contain a large amount of lime. The culture can be fed with organic matter or mineral preparations can be used. In this case, the dose is reduced by half.
Plants with white leaves require special attention. They should not contain nitrogen. For dressing, only mineral compositions are used, applying fertilizers every 20 days. If you use nitrogen fertilizers, the leaves will turn green.
Size
Dieffenbachia pruning is carried out with a strong pulling of the trunk or damage to the leaves. It should be borne in mind that the culture secretes poisonous juice. Gloves should be worn before cutting. Children and animals must be removed from the premises.
It is recommended to prune the crop with a sharp knife or secateurs. It should be washed and treated with alcohol before and after the procedure. The slice must be horizontal. It is important that it has sharp edges.
It is forbidden to prune young crops. This procedure is performed when the diameter of the trunk reaches 2 centimeters. If it is necessary to get rid of the affected leaves, they are cut off. After the procedure, the damaged areas should be soaked and covered with charcoal. If during handling the sap of the plant comes into contact with the skin, it is recommended to rinse it thoroughly with cold water. After that, the affected area should be treated with oil or cream.
Flowering characteristics
In appearance, the inflorescences of the culture resemble an ear of corn. Flowering begins in mid-spring. The inflorescence emerges from the axils of the leaves and has a cream or greenish veil. However, dieffenbachia rarely blooms at home.
After flowering, the cob fades, but remains on the bush for a long time. It is recommended to prune it so that the plant develops normally.
the reproduction
The exquisite Dieffenbachia can be propagated in different ways. Each of them has certain characteristics.
Apical stem cuttings
Top cuttings are the easiest way to get rid of an old plant. The cut top should be placed in water, wet sand or moss. The cutting must be systematically sprayed and protected from the sun. It is important that the plant is kept warm - at a temperature of + 21-24 degrees. When rooting the sprout in water, the roots should reach 1.85-2.95 centimeters. After that, the culture is moved to a new location.
To propagate the culture with stem cuttings, it is recommended to cut the bare trunk into fragments. You need to leave a stump of no more than 10 centimeters in the pot. Dry the prepared cuttings for 1 (maximum –2) days and place them in a moist mixture of sand and peat. The kidneys should point up. Cover the plant with foil and keep at a temperature of +26 degrees. When the cuttings are rooted, they are planted in a permanent place.
Rooting in water
To root the culture in water, it is recommended to dry the cuttings for 3-5 hours. After that, they must be placed in water. It is recommended to change it 1 (sometimes 2) times a week when the liquid becomes cloudy. Charcoal and methylene blue are added to the composition.
When roots appear, the cuttings can be moved into the ground. It is allowed to plant no more than 3 bushes in 1 container.
Rod pieces
Stem pieces can easily be rooted in the substrate.To do this, it is worth taking a composition of sand, crushed charcoal and sphagnum moss. These components are mixed in a 3: 2: 1 ratio. It is recommended to water the cuttings with a solution of Fitosporin and a growth stimulator.
Use seeds
The seed propagation method is used exclusively by professional growers. It is used to create new varieties.
How to transplant correctly at home
To move the culture to a new place, it is worth following certain guidelines.
Time recommendations
As the plant grows, the roots are completely entwined with a ball of soil. In this case, it is recommended to perform a culture transplant. Usually the procedure is performed every 1-2 years.
Soil preparation
The plant normally grows in soil with an acidity of 5.62 to 5.83. The soil should have good air and water permeability.You can make the soil yourself, based on turf, humus, sand or leafy soil. It is also acceptable to purchase a multi-purpose substrate with coir.
Choice of capacity
It is recommended to transplant dieffenbachia into a slightly larger pot. It should be about 2 centimeters larger in diameter. The plant definitely needs high-quality drainage. It can be made from expanded clay or pebbles.
Transplant Instructions
Before transplanting, the culture should not be watered for several days. This will make it easier to remove the plant from the pot. After that, you need to carefully examine the condition of the roots. If they look sick, pruning should be done. After that, the affected areas are treated with charcoal.After preparation, it is recommended to plant dieffenbachia in a new pot and fill it with fresh soil. Finally, the plant should be watered abundantly.
Diseases and pests
The plant often faces pest attacks or the development of diseases. In such a situation, immediate action is recommended.
Spider
It is one of the most dangerous parasites. This leads to the appearance of a barely noticeable cobweb, wilting and falling of leaves. Increased dryness of the air leads to damage to plants. Systematic spraying of the culture will help to avoid problems. A treatment with soapy water or Aktellik will help control the parasites.
fake shield
You can suspect crop failure by the appearance of brown patches on the surface of the leaves. Adequate air humidification will help to avoid problems. Insecticides will help to cope with the false shield.
Shield
These pests cause the appearance of sticky spots, drying and falling of leaves. To avoid problems, it is worth systematically spraying the plant and wiping it with a damp sponge. A soapy solution is used to control pests.
mealy mite
When a plant is infected, its leaves become deformed and dry out, a white bloom appears on their surface. To avoid this, you should systematically spray the plants. In case of problems, use soapy water and insecticides.
To rot
When the disease appears, there is a risk of wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Often the disease leads to cracking of the stem. It is impossible to cure it. The top of the plant can be rooted to create a new bush.
Thrips
When the plant is affected by thrips, parts of the leaves acquire a yellow-white tint and become covered with dark spots. Means such as Tanrek, Fitoverm help to cope with pathology.
Aphid
In this case, the culture becomes covered with sugary clots, deformation and yellowing of the leaves, and the absence of flowering are observed. It is recommended to treat affected plants with insecticides.
Viral mosaic
This viral infection leads to developmental disruption and the appearance of spots on the leaves of the crop. Aktara and Fitoverm help to cope with pathology.
Varieties
Today, many types of dieffenbachia are known, which differ in size and appearance.
Plume
It is one of the most popular strains and is often grown at home. The bush is tall and can reach 2 meters. It is decorated with bright green oval leaves. They are covered with stripes and white spots.
Spotted
This type of dieffenbachia is also widespread. In addition, this culture is more compact in size - its height does not exceed 1 meter.
The flower is characterized by glossy elongated leaves with an asymmetrical pattern on the surface.
Leopold
This type of crop is rarely grown. A distinctive feature of this dieffenbachia is considered to be a very short trunk, which does not exceed 5 centimeters. The plant is decorated with wide leaves of dark green color. There are white streaks in the center.
Adorable
This is a rather unpretentious plant that easily tolerates lack of moisture. Therefore, the culture does not suffer in winter during the heating period. To avoid problems, it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. The bush reaches 1.5 meters in height. It is decorated with wide leaves of a dark green hue. They are covered with white veins.
Seguina
The plant resembles spotted dieffenbachia.A distinctive feature of this plant is considered wider leaves on short petioles. It is a bush flower that is actively used in breeding work.
Oersted
This variety of dieffenbachia is characterized by large green leaves. They are distinguished by a pointed shape and are covered with a noticeable vein. The leaves reach 35 centimeters in length.
Gorgeous
This culture is characterized by variegated leaves. A distinctive feature is considered white dots, which are present on the leaves themselves and on the petioles.
large-leaved
Bushes of this variety reach a height of 1 meter. The plant is characterized by broad ovoid leaves. They have a green tint. In the center there is a thickened vein.
Baumann
This beautiful plant has variegated leaves and is distinguished from other varieties by its very large leaves. In length, they reach 70-80 centimeters. The leaves have a dark green tint and are covered with light spots.
Bause
This variety has excellent decorative properties. The plant is decorated with small leaves, the size of which does not exceed 40 centimeters. They are green with a yellow tint. Above are white and dark spots.
Camilla
This plant is considered very tall. It is characterized by juicy green leaves with a light and dark border. The plant reaches 2 meters in height and has a powerful stem. It is best to place it in a shady corner.
Mix Compact
This plant is a compact bush covered with green leaves. They have short petioles and are covered with light spots.
Possible growth problems
When breeding Dieffenbachia, many growers face problems.
The leaves are turning yellow
Yellowing of the leaves is most often observed when the temperature is abnormal. Typically, this problem occurs in an excessively cold room or when a crop is exposed to a draft. The use of hard water for irrigation or a deficiency of useful elements in the soil are also provoking factors. Root rot can also lead to yellowing leaves.
Rolled up leaves
This problem occurs when using cold water for irrigation, exposure to drafts, temperature fluctuations. Pest attacks are also provoking factors.
dry leaves
If the old leaves dry out, the dieffenbachia needs to be rejuvenated. To do this, it is recommended to cut and root the top. When the young leaves wither, one can suspect an increased dryness of the soil or temperature fluctuations. Also, the cause of problems can be cold air, direct exposure to sunlight and a lack of fertilizer.
Water drops accumulate on the leaves
If water drops periodically appear on the leaves of Dieffenbachia, this is considered absolutely normal.
don't push
If the development of the culture is disturbed, it is worth looking for problems with temperature and lighting. Air humidity is also important. In hot weather, the plant should be sprayed.
Falling foliage
This problem may be due to a lack of humidity. Too cramped a pot also leads to it.
The ends of the leaves dry up
Leaf tip wilting and dryness are most often observed at low temperatures. Soil drying also causes similar problems.
Loss of light with sheet cover
If the leaves turn pale, this indicates an excess of light.Also, the cause of the problems is the excessive amount of phosphorus in the soil.
Additional tips and tricks
To achieve the normal development of an adult plant, the following features should be considered:
- Dieffenbachia is considered a poisonous culture. Therefore, during transplantation, safety measures should be observed.
- The plant is distinguished by its rapid development. Therefore, it must be trimmed frequently.
- The culture does not perceive a strong cold snap and the impact of drafts.
- For irrigation, it is recommended to use settled or filtered water.
Dieffenbachia is considered a popular crop and is often used for interior decoration. In order for the flower to develop fully, it must receive comprehensive care.