I have 3 stalks of 3 different types of this plant in one pot. The 2 tallest are about 10 to 12in., the least of the stalks has lost all it's leaves and is just a stem. The leaves are becoming pale and they grow in a 8in pot. I dont believe i overwatered. It gets water on average of once every 7 days.Should I keep removing the yellow leaves or let them fall naturally? Should I apply some kind of fertilizer or just leave them alone. Any advice for me?
picture is too small to really see but they don't need that much water. sprinkle a little osmocote feed (it won't burn plants) around the base and instead of a weekly watering, mist it-especially the undersides of the leaves. you may have spider mites (common on houseplants). they don't like moisture so misting will take care of them and keep the plant healthy. only water when it is really dry and then water deeply, let it drain out, and put back in a place where it gets morning sun (not too close to a window).
Since I posted this thread, the largest and most outer leaves kept dieing off. So....I did a little research and decided that I am not good with this plant in soil. I washed it well,lightly pruned the damaged roots and it now seems to be very green and doing well in the medium of strained rain water only!!! I wasn't able to salvage as much of it as I would have liked but nature does know how to replenish itself. Thanks a bunch for your advice!
that's normal. they lose their old leaves constantly, as new ones sprout. they get really leggy over time.
Many different problems can cause dieffenbachia leaves to turn yellow, including disease, insect infestations and cultural problems. First you have to find out the reason for yellowing leaves in order to treat the problem. If you find yellowing leaf margins like leaf burn around the edges, along with stunted new leaves, then it can indicate over-fertilization. Sometimes yellowing leaves and stunted, small new leaves can be symptoms of root rot, insufficient light, pot-bound roots or a nutrient deficiency. If bottom leaves yellowing and dropping from the dumbcane plant then it is a nutrient deficiency or pot-bound roots. Look for small yellow or yellowish-orange spots on the diffenbachia's leaves to diagnose bacterial leaf spot. The yellowish spots will have translucent centers and grow to 1/2 inch in size. The infected leaves tend to wilt and die. Look for yellowish leaves with a speckled appearance on your dieffenbachia to diagnose a spider mite infestation. Spider mites can also leave fine webbing near the leaf axils.
Repot the dieffenbachia into well-draining potting soil mix and a container with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom, if you suspect that the yellow leaves are due to root rot. Water the dumbcane plant thoroughly only when the top 1 inch of potting soil feels dry to the touch, and don't over-water. Feed your dieffenbachia monthly or once every two months while it's actively growing with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer, if you suspect that the yellowing leaves are caused by a nutrient deficiency. Fertilize only once or twice during winter, following the dosage and application instructions on the label. Pour water into the potting soil until it drains freely from the bottom of the pot to leach out the salt and fertilizer buildup, if over-fertilization is the problem. Ensure that the dieffenbachia is potted in a loose, well-draining soil mix to help prevent salt and fertilizer-deposit buildup. Perform the leaching procedure at least once every month.
Remove the dieffenbachia from its pot and study the roots to determine whether the plant's yellowing leaves are caused by being pot-bound. If the roots circle around to fill the pot and little soil is left, repot the dumbcane plant into a container that's 1 to 2 inches deeper and wider than the current pot. Control spider mite infestations by applying a least-toxic insecticidal product made for houseplants. Consult an agricultural extension service for the best treatment options
As I said, I like the way it's doing in water, maybe it was a deficiency of some sort.I put magnesium sulfate, just a tad in the water and the plant is getting is beautiful green color back and no sagging or yellowing. Ait gets bigger I should like to pot it in soil again. Any advice on hoew to do this when the proper time arises?
