Please help identify this plant

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
ablack1980 Prattville, AL Aug 29, 2007

I got this plant and I have no idea what it is. Please help me so I can find out how to take care of it. The tag only said tropical foliage.

Thumbnail by ablack1980
Post #3914597
Quote
senlarrs Harrisburg, PA(Zone 6a) Aug 29, 2007

I believe it is a Dieffenbachia !

Larry

Post #3914810
Quote
shebs45 Chicago, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 29, 2007

I second that...commonly called dumb cane. Check out this link for easy care instructions. http://houseplants-care.blogspot.com/2006/08/dieffenbachia-dumb-cane-plant-care.html
Sharon

Post #3914864
Quote
Machikoneko Hometown, IL(Zone 5a) Aug 29, 2007

I think it's a dumbcane also. Just be aware that all parts of the plant are poisonous, so if you have any pets or little ones, you'll want to keep it out of their reach.

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which when ingested causes the mouth/throat tissue to swell. It can cause swelling to the point of not being able to breathe. (Oxalic acid crystals under a microscope sort of look like jacks, without the ball on the ends of the spikes. That's what causes such potentially severe swelling in sensitive tissues like the mouth and throat.)

Other than that, they're great plants; fairly easy to grow, and good looking.

Good luck with your dumbcane!

Marsha.

Post #3914886
Quote
plantladylin (Zone 1) Aug 29, 2007

Yes, it is a Dieffenbachia but I'm not sure which one. Click on this link to Plant Files ... there are a few in there and you may be able to identify yours from the photo's posted:

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=dumb+cane&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&searcher%5Bcultivar%5D=&searcher%5Bhybridizer%5D=&search_prefs%5Bblank_cultivar%5D=&search_prefs%5Bsort_by%5D=rating&images_prefs=both&Search=Search

Post #3915149
Quote
NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Sep 01, 2007

I agree, dumbcane--pretty easy to grow and a pleasing look. Isn't it annoying the way so many of the places that sell plants have gone to the "one size fits all" with their plants tags? Keeps us on our toes trying to figure out exactly which one we have. And, as with yours, with many plants, there is more than one type!

Post #3924681
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP