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Tropical House Plants: Dieffenbachia House Plant

By: Bernard Lohner

Dieffenbachia (pronounced /difnbæki/)[1] is usually a genus of tropical plants from the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. Members of this genus are popular as houseplants due to their tolerance for shade. The name commemorates Ernst Dieffenbach, a German physician.

Dieffenbachia plants can grow outdoors in tropical climates, but specimens kept as houseplants must be kept indoors during most of the year outside the tropics. Temperatures beneath about 5C (40F) can kill the plant. The plant wants light but filtered sunlight by means of a window is normally enough. When the plant is brought property through the nursery, it is going to probably require repotting. The plant needs moderately moist soil. The soil ought to be fertilized with either normal liquid fertilizing or fertilizer pellets or spikes. Leaves will periodically roll up and fall off to generate way for new leaves. Yellowing from the leaves is generally a sign of problematic conditions, for instance a nutrient deficiency inside the soil. Dieffenbachia responds properly to hot temperatures and dry climates.

Favorable conditions for house plants: Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia amoena (dumbcane) is usually a monocot that is commonly cultivated to be a houseplant, for its decorative leaves. It is a quite well-known and hardy shade-loving plant. Its leaves are significant, oblong, and cream or light yellow with deep green spots and stripes in bands along the veins and border. Like all other Dieffenbachia its sap is poisonous.

Dieffenbachia amoena might be propagated by tip and nodal cuttings. It can attain a height of 6 feet in favourable condition. It likes substantial humidity and a draft-free atmosphere. It must not be placed in front of an air-conditioner unit or fan. After watering its leaf becomes straight and brittle. So if transportation is necessary, cease watering for a couple of days, to prevent the leaves from breaking.

Dieffenbachia seguine is a species of Dieffenbachia generally kept as an ornamental plant. This plant is native towards Americas from Mexico to Brazil and several Caribbean islands. Like all other Dieffenbachia its sap is toxic.

The cells from the Dieffenbachia plant include needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals known as raphides. If a leaf is chewed, these crystals could potentially cause a temporary burning sensation and erythema. In uncommon situations, edema of tissues exposed towards plant happen to be reported. Mastication and ingestion generally result in only mild signs or symptoms. With each children and pets, get in touch with with dieffenbachia (normally from chewing) might cause a host of unpleasant symptoms, such as oral irritation, excessive drooling, and localized swelling. However, these outcomes are rarely life-threatening. In most circumstances, signs are slight, and may be successfully treated with analgesic agents, antihistamines, or medical charcoal. Gastric evacuation or lavage is "seldom" indicated Jennifer S. Boyle, MD, PharmD, and Christopher P Holstege, MD, note that, "In a significant retrospective study of 188 patients with plant oxalate exposure, all situations have been determined being minor and all resolved with minor or no treatment."

Dieffenbachia House PLant

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