Dieffenbachia home plants. Care at home for dieffenbachia. Description of the dieffenbachia plant and photos of various varieties
Probably, many of us are familiar with this plant firsthand. The maintenance of this plant at home is often associated with a number of various false judgments and assumptions regarding its harm or harmlessness to humans. So how harmful is dieffenbachia and is it safe to keep at home?
Dieffenbachia, main features and characteristics
Dieffenbachia is a plant belonging to the aroid family. Her homeland is the South American continent. The most correct would be to attribute dieffenbachia to perennial shrubs evergreen type.
The name of this shrub came from the name of the German botanist J.F. Dieffenbach. The plant has a fairly high growth rate and can reach two meters, however, when kept at home, it rarely reaches such a height.
Dieffenbachia is distinguished by rather beautiful leaves, which have a peculiar “spotted” color. The shrub rather quickly begins to produce new leaves and shed those that are located in its lower part. This property significantly degrades appearance . In order to prevent this from happening, it is necessary to update the plant in a timely manner by cutting off the top. The top itself can be rooted. If this is not done, Dieffenbachia will begin to lean and the trunk may take a horizontal position.
The flowering of the shrub is rare, and the flowers themselves are not of particular decorative importance. But with a favorable set of circumstances, the appearance of large "flowers of the cob" is quite real. The point of appearance of new leaves is located at the top of the plant.
Is it possible to keep this flower at home and grow it? Dieffenbachia does not tolerate drafts and temperature changes quite well. It is important to pay attention to this nuance when transplanting a plant or airing a room in the cold season. In a certain period give the plant a chance to rest, during which watering and fertilizing are reduced. As a rule, it is autumn-winter.
In the rest of the time, you can safely transplant a flower (usually a plant needs it once every 2 or 4 years, as it grows). Drainage (expanded clay or small pebbles) is placed in the bottom of the dieffenbachia container. It will not be superfluous from time to time to loosen the soil and feed the plant with mineral fertilizers.
Problems and diseases
In order to avoid this, it is important to make timely watering of the plant, to ensure optimal temperature regime indoors, arrange for pest control if necessary.
Dieffenbachia reproduction
A flower can reproduce in a variety of ways.
- Cutting propagation. The parts cut off from the plant are either rooted in the ground (can be watered with a growth enhancer) or placed in an aquatic/humid environment (water container, wet moss).
- seed propagation. This method is possible only if there are flowers on the plant. The female flowers are distinguishing feature in the form of a partially closed flower part. To carry out the pollination of a flower, it is necessary to take pollen from the male inflorescence with a brush and distribute it along the half-closed part female flower(after making an incision on it, at the end - the incision must be sealed).
- Reproduction by the stem part of the plant. Usually the stem is divided into several parts, approximately 10–12 cm each, the cut is processed with coal chips or sulfur. Then the stem is placed in a vessel with soil. If everything went well, the rudiments of leaves will appear on the stem.
Dieffenbachia: benefit and harm
Dieffenbachia has a large number of species, but the most common for home maintenance are only a few hybrids of this shrub. What brings a flower benefit or harm can i keep it at home? In fact, this shrub has a number of useful features distinguishing it from many other plants.
- In those rooms in which dieffenbachia is located, it improves significantly chemical composition ambient air;
- Shrubs have an impact on the amount of dust, which is important, for example, for people suffering from allergic diseases;
- It is known that dieffenbachia is characterized by the presence of phytoncides, which equally have bactericidal properties. They are able to reduce the overall quantitative characteristics of microbes such as, for example, staphylococcus aureus.
About the safety of home keeping dieffenbachia
Along with the beneficial features of dieffenbachia for humans, it cannot be discarded that there are also properties that can cause some harm when keeping a shrub at home.
Dieffenbachia, the harm of which lies in the content of a number of substances in its juice, can cause allergic reactions. This usually happens by direct contact of dieffenbachia juice with the skin. Therefore, it is very important to take certain precautions when caring for a shrub. And do not allow the juice of the plant to get on the mucous membranes or skin.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the plant is out of reach for small children and pets (cats have been observed to show some interest in this plant). Also, do not place this plant in nurseries. preschool institutions and centers.
conclusions
From the features and properties of Dieffenbachia we have considered, we can come to certain conclusions about its safety (benefit and harm to humans).
Subject to simple precautions, during transplantation, cutting stems and leaves (use protective gloves, washing hands after finishing work with the plant), do not allow children to come into contact with the plant, dieffenbachia will not be any different from other plants in the house.
Thus, finding a dieffenbachia flower in the house is not only not dangerous, but will also bring positive properties to the microclimate of the room. Also, this shrub with "marble leaves" will wonderfully complement and decorate your interior.
The dieffenbachia flower has successfully taken root not only in apartments. It can be seen in offices, corridors of clinics, as well as in stores. This handsome man attracts the eye with his spreading wide leaves of bright green color with colorful white spots.
The Dieffenbachia genus unites about 30 species and 50 interspecific hybrids.
flower controversy
Dieffenbachia has always gathered around itself a lot of controversy about whether it can be kept at home or not. The pros and cons of content are obvious.
It is best to keep dieffenbachia in the hall or in the kitchen. There is definitely no place for such a flower in a nursery.
Dieffenbachia flower home care
From time immemorial, this beauty has attracted not only a luxurious view, but also its unpretentiousness.
She loves to be in warm rooms facing east or west, as well as in small kitchens.
- Dieffenbachia is shade tolerant. It is best to protect it from direct sun rays.
- In winter, the optimum temperature of the content is +18 degrees. It can also tolerate short-term cooling up to +13 degrees. The main thing is that this drop should not be sharp and not like sudden frosts.
- Best of all, dieffenbachia grows in soil from turf and leaf ground with peat and manure at a ratio of 2:2:1:1. It is advisable to add bone meal or horn shavings. You can prepare the soil yourself or buy a specialized mixture "For Dieffenbachia".
- Needs regular watering throughout the year. Approximately 2 times a week.
- IN summer time loves frequent spraying, and will be grateful if you pamper her by rubbing the leaves from the settled dust.
- If there are signs of deficiency nutrients, then the plant should be fed. You should not get carried away with this (the plant grows quickly and needs more frequent transplants).
- Dieffenbachia is transplanted preferably annually.
Video: Dieffenbachia flower, transplant and care
Pay attention to the following points:
- The curvature of the trunk and the uneven distribution of the foliage means that the flower is reaching for the light source. Therefore, it is important to periodically turn the pot with the plant in different directions.
- Dry leaf tips indicate a lack of moisture.
- Direct sunlight on the leaves of the flower threatens sunburn, which manifests itself as brown dry spots on the leaves.
reproduction
The flower is propagated by apical cuttings or pieces of the stem.
The sequence of the process is:
- Cut the trunk into cuttings with a sleeping kidney of 15-20 cm.
- Remember where the top of the handle is, where the bottom is.
- Dry the cuts during the day.
- The lower part of the cutting is immersed in water.
- When the first roots appear, and young stems from the kidney, you can transplant them into a plastic container.
Video: Dieffenbachia flower propagation
Dieffenbachia is a wonderful decoration for your home. Whether or not it becomes its owner is a purely personal matter.
Name: Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia)
Family: Aroid (Fam. Araceae)
This plant is native to the rainforests of Colombia and Puerto Rico. There is a wide variety of species with a variety of leaf colors, the most common forms of foliage have spots, poppies, stripes different shades white, yellow, cream, pale green flowers, leaves reach a length of 25 cm.
Dieffenbachia is a large semi-shrub with straight, fleshy, non-woody stems. The leaves are large, oval or oblong, entire. It grows rapidly and reaches 2m in two years. The name of the genus is in honor of the German botanist I.F. Dieffenbach, who was a gardener at the Imperial Palace in Schönbrunn (Austria).
On sale, the most common spotted Dieffenbachia (D. maculata), which is often grown in lobbies and offices.
The sap of the plant and all parts are highly poisonous. Be careful not to get diefenbachia juice on the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth, as it is poisonous and causes swelling, pain and temporary loss of voice, hence the name "dumb reed". Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant.
There are many species that are easy to care for, provided the air is not too dry. In winter, move Dieffenbachia closer to a window so it gets more light on shorter, darker days. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge, but remember that the petioles are very fragile and poisonous juice.
Choice and purchase
Choose squat plants with brightly colored leaves. Do not buy plants in which the lower leaves turn yellow, are damaged or bruised.
dieffenbachia care
Location
It is desirable to place in spacious rooms, halls. Lighting for various kinds may be different, but Dieffenbachia does not tolerate direct sunlight. Bright diffused light helps preserve the color of the leaves. Optimum temperature+20 - +22 °С, but not lower than +16 °С. For a short time it can withstand a drop to +11°C.
Watering
In the summer should be watered abundantly, reducing watering in winter period. Place the plant pot on a tray of damp gravel if the temperature is high.
The soil
Loose soil with a high content of peat and organic matter. Humus, leaf, peat land, sand (1:2:2:0.5). The plant needs good drainage and a large capacity. In late spring and throughout the summer, apply liquid fertilizer monthly.
Bloom
IN room conditions flowering is rare; the inflorescence-cob is surrounded by a yellowish-green veil, it is recommended to break off the emerging flowers after their appearance.
pruning
Dieffenbachia stretches up and takes the form of a palm tree. To maintain a compact state, the trunk is cut at a height of 10-15 cm from the soil, side shoots, and Dieffenbachia takes on a bushy shape.
reproduction
Some species sprout each year at the base of the stem. They can be used for breeding.
Most species propagate by cuttings from the top or central part of the stem (obtained at the time of pruning 5-7 cm long with 1-2 buds). Rooting cuttings occurs 2-3 weeks. Young plants are planted in loose nutrient soil - a mixture of peat and sand.
Transfer
From spring to autumn, fertilize 200 ml every 10 days. solution of complete mineral fertilizer(1 g of dry fertilizer per 1 liter of water). Varieties with white leaves fertilize every 20 days.
Repot the plant annually in early spring.
Dieffenbachia species and varieties
Dieffenbachia spotted (Dieffenbachia maculata). The leaves are green, elliptical in shape, wide with a heart-shaped base on long green petioles with white spots and stripes. Forms were obtained from it, which differ in the color of the leaves and are superior in decorativeness.
Dieffenbachia seguin (D. seguine) - wide ovoid leaf plates with a rounded or heart-shaped base, a sharply tapering top and a moderate amount of white spots. It was this species that served as the initial form for many cultivars.
Barraquiniana on snow-white petioles dark green leaves with rare irregular shape white spots and white midrib.
Dieffenbachia Bowman (D. bowmannii) has especially beautiful spotted leaves 70 cm long.
Jenmani leaves are bright green with white stripes on the lateral vein and occasional white spots between them.
The Irrorata variety has a white-speckled petiole and yellow-spotted leaves.
In Camille, the central part of the leaf is white and turns green over time.
Dieffenbachia Leopold (D. leopoldii) - purple spots on the leaves.
Liturat has dark green blunt, with a yellow border around the edge.
Nobilis has dark green leaves with emerald green spots.
Mars with a white midrib on the leaf, blotched with light green, white, and dark green.
Manifika - between the veins is light green in color and white spots are scattered.
Memoria corsi has wavy bluish leaves with a dark border, with white and dark spots, while the bushy Compact has leaves in splashes of white spots that merge in the central part of the leaf plate.
Rudolf Rers light yellow-green leaves, decorated with a dark midrib and a border of the same color, dark green and white spots of various sizes are scattered throughout the leaf blade.
Tropic Snow (Tropical snow) - along the central vein on a dark green background, a pattern of merged light yellowish-green spots and specks that diverge to the edges along the lateral veins.
Super Tropic has a more defined pattern.
companion plants
Medium varieties are combined with most other green plants, larger ones are grown separately.
Pests and diseases, dieffenbachia treatment
small leaves: insufficient lighting, place the pot in a lighted place. Pale lower leaves: high humidity or low temperature, reduce watering, move to a warm place.
fall off lower leaves: low temperature, move to a warm place.
Stem and leaf rot: excessive moisture at low temperatures or due to spraying from above at low temperatures. Do not wipe with a wet cloth and water less often. Sprinkle these places with sulfur.
Mainly damaged by spider mites and very rarely bedbugs. The latter look like small pieces of cotton wool on the underside of the leaves, spray with derris, malatinone, or a systemic insecticide. Raise the humidity.
Lower leaves turned yellow waterlogging, let dry, then water less often, especially in winter.
White woolly spots on the underside of the leaves: mealybug. Remove pests with a methanol sponge or spray with malatinone or a systemic insecticide.
evergreen unpretentious plant dieffenbachia care at home requires minimal. When placing a flower, it is necessary to provide security measures. The milky secretions of the beauty are poisonous to children and animals. Even in an adult, dieffenbachia juice can cause blindness or swelling of the larynx. In nature, there are many species, but only a few varieties are used in culture. And only pleasant shade-tolerant and tolerates dry air in apartments with central heating.
How to care for dieffenbachia at home
Like others houseplants, the slave requires content close to tropical. The plant will attract beauty if you create conditions that include:
- location, ;
- soil composition and capacity requirement;
- watering and fertilizing;
- temperature regime;
- summer and winter maintenance;
The first step in caring for dieffenbachia will be the correct allocation of space. An east or west window without direct sunlight is suitable for her. The beauty of a flower in variegated large leaves. With a lack of light, the plant will lose contrast in color, and the leaves will become smaller.
Watering and water procedures
dieffenbachia when caring for at home should be kept only with soft water. Suitable settled tap water and even boiled chilled. The presence of magnesium and calcium salts in water poisons the plant. Therefore, where drinking water scale appears on the kettle, you need to look for another water. Water the plant often as soon as it dries. upper layer earth.
One of the methods of washing the earth from salts is keeping a clod of earth in water for 15 minutes. Then the water must be removed through drainage hole. Such a procedure in the summer is needed once a month. In winter, just abundant watering is enough. If the plant is flooded, then the leaves of dieffenbachia begin to turn brown, turn yellow, fall off.
Daily spraying of Dieffenbachia flower in home care is useful. A moss tray, an evaporator, an aquarium - all this creates the right humidity around the plant.
During the period of active growth, dieffenbachia needs frequent fertilizing with organic and. Once every 7-10 days, the addition of nutrition to the irrigation water will create favorable conditions for the development of the flower.
Dieffenbachia flower how to care for winter and summer
In summer, when the lighting is sufficient, the flower can be placed in the back of the room. The determining factor will be not to set fire to the plants on a warm window. Elevated temperature will inevitably lead to yellowing leaf blade. Dieffenbachia, home care requires a mild temperature change within 22 degrees in summer and 18 in winter. Drafts are not allowed. When airing, the plant must be protected from a fresh stream of air. It is better to take the pot to another room.
For uniform formation of the bush, it needs lighting from all sides. Therefore, the container with the plant must be periodically turned over along the axis. With its wide leaves, dieffenbachia absorbs harmful emissions from the air, purifying it.
Dieffenbachia is transplanted when leaving at home when the previous pot becomes cramped.
Used purchased land for transplanting leafy plants or a mixture of equal parts:
- leaf land;
- humus;
- sand.
The addition of activated birch charcoal helps to clean the substrate from harmful salts. The container can be used with a small margin, as the roots grow quickly. When planting, the stem deepens and gives rise to fresh roots. For quick survival, root stimulants must be added to the first watering.
It is after transplantation, when the stem of the plant is exposed from fallen leaves, that it is necessary to cut the stem, leaving 10 cm on the surface. Fresh young leaves will appear on the bare part of the dormant buds. The crown can be rooted, getting a new plant.
When caring for dieffenbachia, it is necessary to use protective equipment. When cutting a plant, remember that the cuts are poisonous, and the remains of the work must be packed before being thrown into household waste.
Failure to comply with the conditions of the flower leads to a change in the leaves, their yellowing or falling off. It is necessary to find the cause of the disease. If the disease is physiological, eliminate the cause, and the new leaves will be healthy. Remove old plates over time.
Diseases and pests of dieffenbachia
It should be noted that diseases and pests can populate a flower if dieffenbachia care does not meet the requirements. A strong plant itself resists disease. Of course, you can populate insects from a neighboring flower or use land with a living mycelium of the fungus for transplantation, but this only means that the care of plants on the windowsill is violated.
Signs of fungal diseases are the appearance on the leaves of uncharacteristic spots, stripes, weeping and drying edges of the leaves.
The root system, when rotting, cannot provide the plant with nutrition, yellowness appears on the leaves.
This makes you aware of such diseases as:
- anthracosis;
- fusarium;
- viral defeat.
Anthracosis affects the upper part of the plant. The appearance of dry spots that increase and destroy the leaf is the most characteristic manifestation of the disease. Spores can get in with irrigation water. The disease provokes dryness in the room, excessive watering. You can treat with fungicides and remove the infected parts of the plant. Normalize content mode.
Fusarium spreads to the roots and the whole plant. The fungus lives in the soil. Therefore, it is important to sterilize the substrate when transplanting a plant. You can save the plant on the very early stage diseases, treating it with a fungicide, cutting out the affected areas and taking new dishes and earth.
viral disease manifests itself with twisted leaves, a bronze tint on the upper part of the plant. It is carried by insects from diseased plants. A diseased plant must be destroyed. It is impossible to take material from him for reproduction.
Insect pests that inhabit the flower feed on juices, spoil the appearance of the flower. If the colony becomes large, it can kill the plant. Several types of pests breed on the poisonous Dieffenbachia:
- spider mite;
- mealybug.
Measures to combat them are known - first, soapy water, later - insecticides.
Proper Dieffenbachia Care - Video
Judging by the name alone, it can be said that dieffenbachia flower, very unusual and at the same time beautiful.
They brought it to us wonderful plant from the tropical parts of America. The name was received from a botanist from Germany, J.F. Dieffenbach.
There are about thirty species in the genus of this plant, and they grow mainly in South America and in tropical countries. The beauty lies in the magnificent pattern on the leaves.
Description: Dieffenbachia belongs to the aroid family.
This is a semi-shrub or bush that has oblong beautiful leaves large size and thick fleshy stems.
Dieffenbachia can grow up to two meters in height.
The plant belongs to decorative species, but at the same time, the flowers do not quite meet the standard.
Not attractive enough, small and have a yellowish color. Usually they are removed while still in bud, so as not to slow down the growth of the stems.
A plant of this species is not safe, it has poison in its stems and leaves, therefore, it must be treated with caution.
Consider dieffenbachia home care, but first briefly about the types.
There are several types of Dieffenbachia, which are bred by gardeners.
For example, dieffenbachia spotted, parlatori, lovely, Seguina and others.
Basically, the difference lies in the variegation and density of color of the leaves.
Types of dieffenbachia with a photo
The owner of large green leaves of an oval shape, reaching 2 meters in height. White spots are visible from above, which give the leaves sophistication, despite simple shapes. The size of the leaf plate is up to 40 cm long and 15 cm wide.
One of the most popular types of dieffenbachia among house plants. It's all about the color and shape of the leaf. Undersized forms, reach no more than 1 m in height. The shape of the leaf plate is elongated with pointed tips. The edges are dark green, which gradually turns into light yellow towards the center. The leaf is decorated with smooth lines and spots like sea wave. The dimensions are impressive, up to 50 cm long and 15 wide.
original look, originally from Costa Rica. It has unique leaf shapes. Short petioles with spots. Oblong leaf shape with a clear light vein in the middle and many various stains. Petal length up to 35 cm.
Height up to 1.5 meters, long leaf shape. The main advantage is that it is not whimsical in care and is quite hardy to temperature indicators, humidity and light. Large oval leaves up to 0.6 m of uniform dark green color with big amount light veins running evenly away from the central one.
Hybrid variety, light green in color, with 10-12 lateral veins of a brighter and light yellow color.
The uniform color of the leaves is oblong in shape with pointed tips. Along, a distinct light vein is visible without the appearance of spots. Leaf sizes reach up to 35 cm.
The leaves are covered with light spots. They have both central and lateral veins of light color.
The representative of this species is the only one that has a uniform uniform color throughout the petal. Height reaches 1 m. Oblong shape with a pointed end. There is a vein along the length.
Representative of the most big leaves reaching up to 60-70 cm. Light green color with many light spots.
The leaves are of medium length up to 35-40 cm. The edges are painted over in a dark green color. On the entire surface there are light spots with a central dark streak.
Dieffenbachia, home care, reproduction and danger
Dieffenbachia care cannot be called too difficult, and at the same time, the plant requires regularity and attention. Subject to all norms and rules, growth will be rapid and will be able to reach large sizes.
Lighting: Plants of this species prefer bright rooms, but slightly darkened places. It is forbidden to place a flower so that the sun's rays fall on it, otherwise it will quickly die. Best to choose cozy place with enough light and without drafts.
If you decide to grow a flower on a balcony or windowsill, shade the room (place) from direct sunlight with curtains or reflective paper.
Temperature: A favorable temperature for Dieffenbachia is considered to be 18 degrees.
IN summer period the flower can tolerate a maximum temperature of 22-24 degrees, in winter, it is better not to leave at temperatures below 10-9 degrees.
The flower does not like drafts, like many other species. But at the same time, Fresh air is simply necessary, so in the summer it is better to keep it on the balcony, in a shady corner.
Soil and humidity: The soil for Dieffenbachia is constantly kept moist, but at the same time not too moist.
Soil mix is best used in this composition:
- one piece of sand
- hardwood and peat mixture,
- four pieces of turf.
ok to add charcoal and do not forget about expanded clay drainage, which is laid on the bottom in a pot so that the soil and roots can breathe.
Humidity: Dieffenbachia loves sufficient humidity, but it is also quite tolerant of dry air. Occasionally sprayed clean water, not too cold and preferably settled.
Transplantation: Transplantation is done in the spring of each year, for both young and adult species, after 3 or 4 years, choosing a pot slightly larger than the previous one for it.
For a transplant, you need to deepen the Dieffenbachia root into a new soil so that it starts up new roots and takes root faster.
Reproduction: Dieffenbachia is propagated in several ways.
The first is by cutting the tops of the shoots with leaves.
You can use pieces of the stem as a cutting, 7 cm long.
Sometimes a flower has side shoots, in which case they can also be used for propagation. The soil in which the shoots are planted should contain sand and peat in equal amounts.
The temperature is maintained at least 25 degrees.
The pot, in shoots, must be covered using polyethylene or glass jars. The soil is moderately moistened.
Periodically, seedlings are watered. You can transplant seedlings after the germination of the first 2-3 leaves.
Watering: Water the flower sparingly. As soon as the soil dries out, it must be watered every other day, after that. In winter, watering is reduced even more so that the roots do not rot.
Top dressing and fertilizer: Several times a month, in the summer, the dieffenbachia flower is fertilized with acidic top dressing. With a lack of nutrients, the pattern on the leaves may change, and the characteristic spots will completely disappear.
Diffenbachia Care Difficulties
- Yellowed leaves, the plant will begin to dry - the room temperature is too low or drafts.
- A similar reaction to insufficient watering.
- Brown spots appeared on the leaves, or they began to change their color - too much direct sunlight hits the plant.
- Excessive watering - the stems begin to rot.
- In order to save the plant, it must be rearranged to a warmer and shady place without drafts, to produce proper watering, depending on the season and as the soil dries out.
Pests and diseases
Most often, dieffenbachia suffers from spider mites, which appear on the underside of the leaves and weave a thin web on them. To get rid of it, special solutions will help, with which the plant is sprayed, the leaves on the underside are wiped with a solution of green soap, and then washed warm water In a few hours.
The scale insect can infect the plant. To get rid of it, dieffenbachia should also be sprayed with a special solution, and insects should be removed with a soft cloth.
Another pest is aphids. Processed in exactly the same way special means, and after a few days, covering the soil with polyethylene, the flower is thoroughly washed.
Human danger
- Juice is very dangerous for humans.
- During breeding or transplanting, gloves should be used and be very careful.
- When juice gets on the skin (open wound), burning and irritation begin.
- Especially dangerous is the ingress of juice on the mucous membrane. This causes the tongue to swell, the person cannot speak, and if it falls into the eyes, one can go blind.
- Avoid contact with children and pets.
