Follow these expert tips and learn How to Grow a Big and Tall Dieffenbachia, Like a Tree, and display this popular houseplant in style!
Create a magnificent, towering plant with this dumbcane growing guide. From the right pruning techniques to optimal fertilization, discover all the tips you need for growing a big and beautiful Dieffenbachia tree.
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About Dieffenbachia
Also known as the Dumb Cane, dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant from the tropical regions of South and Central America. It is prized for its large, lush green leaves that come in various shades of green and yellow.
Check out Different Types of Dieffenbachia Plants
How to Grow Dieffenbachia as a Tree?
1. Choose a Tall Variety
If you want to grow a tall and big Dieffenbachia-like tree, selecting the variety is also an important step. A well-grown dumb can attain 10 feet of height in the right conditions with little effort and patience.
Do remember the type of plant and growing conditions both play a crucial role in giving Dieffenbachia a tree-like form.
- Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’: 6 feet tall
- Dieffenbachia ‘Exotica’ :3 to 6 feet
- Dieffenbachia Seguine: 6-10 feet tall
- Dieffenbachia Amoena: 6 feet
- Dieffenbachia Maculata ‘Tropical Tiki’: 6-9 feet tall
- Dieffenbachia ‘Delilah’: 6-10 feet tall
- Dieffenbachia Tropic Marianne : 6 feet or above
2. Choose the Right Pot
The key to growing a big, tall, dumb cane-like tree is to select a small 8-10-inches pot as dieffenbachia grows best in a slightly root-bound state.
A container that is too large means more soil and moisture retention, which also leads to root rot. For best results, choose a pot one size bigger than the root ball of the plant and let it grow in it for a few years.
3. Select the Location Wisely
The best location for growing a Dieffenbachia big as a tree is a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too low light can cause the leaves to turn yellow and stunt their growth.
A north or east-facing windowsill or a little distant spot from the sunny window is perfect inside the home. If you want to reduce the direct sunlight, you can also keep it near a sheer curtain to provide it with the right amount of light exposure.
4. Keep the Plant in Warm Surroundings
The average room temperature of 65-85 F (18-30 C) is perfect for the growth of dumb cane. Temperature below 55 F (12 C) causes slow growth, so keep it in a warm place.
Dieffenbachia appreciates high humidity levels. You can increase humidity levels by placing a water tray near the plant or using a humidifier. Make sure it gets a stable temperature all the time.
5. Water Adequately
Watering tall Dieffenbachia is not much different than watering a smaller one. The main difference is that your taller one needs might need more moisture if it is kept in a small pot.
You may need to water more often as the Dieffenbachia grows taller and becomes rootbound, as taller plants need more water to reach their leaves. Additionally, you should clean the leaves of the plant every few days to help keep them looking healthy and hydrated.
Note: Ensure to empty any water collected in the saucer under the pot to prevent root rot. And always water when the soil seems dry.
6. Have Patience
Dieffenbachia is a slow grower, so in order to grow it as big and tall as a tree, you have to wait patiently. The growth rate of a Dieffenbachia can vary depending on the conditions it is grown in, such as temperature, light, water, and soil.
On average, a dieffenbachia can grow about 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide in a couple of years with proper care. If you want to grow a big, tall tree-like plant, then the variety of Dieffenbachia also plays a major role.
7. Give Support
The best way to support a tall Dieffenbachia is to place it in a pot with a stake or trellis for support. Ensure the stake or trellis is securely placed in the soil and can support the plant’s weight. You can also use a moss pole, a bamboo stick, or a ruler to give the plant additional support.
When inserting the pole in the soil, make sure it is not touching the main stem of the Dieffenbachia so that it won’t cause any damage. Lastly, prune any dead or damaged leaves to help the plant stay healthy and keep its shape.
8. Pruning is the Key
Start by using pruning shears to trim off any dead or dying leaves. Prune off any stems that are too long, cutting them down to a height that is more proportional to the rest of the plant. Remove any stems that are growing in an undesired direction. Thin out the dense foliage to allow more light to reach the center of the plant.
Cut off any stems that have become too leggy. Trim off any flowers or flower buds that are present.
Note: Be careful when handling the plant, as the sap from its broken leaves can irritate the skin.
Pro Tip: When pruning Dieffenbachia, it is important to focus on removing the lateral growth. This will help the plant to develop a fuller and more bushier habit. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Make sure to leave enough of the stem and leaves to maintain the plant’s health. When removing lateral growth, cut back to the main stem and remove any leaves that are left behind. It is important to cut back at least two leaves away from the main stem to ensure that the plant can continue to produce new growth.
Find out How to Care for Dieffenbachia Indoors
9. Don’t Overfeed
Fertilizing tall Dieffenbachia is best done with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or feed it with a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants. You should dilute the fertilizer to half-strength or one-quarter-strength and apply it at the base of the plant every three to four weeks intervals during the growing season.
Be sure to avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves, as it can burn them. It is also important to never fertilize the plant during the winter months, as it is usually not actively growing at this time.
Check out How to Grow Dieffenbachia from Cuttings
Maintaining Dieffenbachia as a Tree
1. Position your Dieffenbachia in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your plant in a spot with direct, intense sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.
2. Water your Dieffenbachia regularly and deeply, allowing the soil to become evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again.
3. Fertilize your Dieffenbachia every few weeks during the active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
4. Prune your Dieffenbachia to promote a tree-like shape. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves and trim off any stems that are growing outside of the desired shape.
5. Re-pot your Dieffenbachia every two to three years using a container one size larger than the current one. Use a potting mix formulated for houseplants.
6. Watch for signs of pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, and treat them with an appropriate pesticide if necessary.
We have beautiful 16ft 8 inch high dumbcane (dieffenbachia) in our livingroom measured from the floor. Where ever I ask it seems to be the largest there is. I cannot give it a new pot every few years it is just too big. It gives flowers every year november but one must go upst airs to see them.