Dumb Cane
Dieffenbachia oerstedii
Dieffenbachia oerstedii kz2 by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Partial Shade
Moderate watering
Tender
H1a
RHS hardiness
15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1m |
50cm | Min | 50cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Dumb Cane
Dumb Cane Overview
Dieffenbachia oerstedii is an evergreen perennial species in the aroid family, Araceae. It has large, oval leaves which are attractively marked with green and white patterning. Also known commonly as Dumb Cane, this references the plant's poisoning effect, which if ingested, can cause a temporary inability to speak. Long periods of bright sunlight may damage the foliage, this plant does best in partial shade, having originated from tropical forest habitats in North and South America and the West Indies. Flowers are borne on erect spikes, these are surrounded by cream-green spathes and may appear at any time of year. However these are rarely seen in cultivation.