Hey guys. I am pretty new, so forgive me if this is a goofy topic.
I have this Dieffenbachia in my office at work (no windows, just bright florescent lighting). Occasionally some leaves will turn yellow, or parts will start dying, as you can see...
I **think** that this is because I haven't been watering it often enough... and it seems to liven up after I water it regularly (daily-every other day).
Is that what is wrong with it? How often should I water it?
Thanks!
Dumb canes are low light plants, but the fact that it doesn't get any natural light may be part of the problem. I'm not sure of that though, I'm hardly an expert here! It looks like in the pic there are some brown spots on the leaves...this could be from lack of humidity. If you can, try misting the plant. I just looked it up, one site says to let the soil dry out moderately before watering again, and then give a good drenching when you do water. Keep in mind it shouldn't sit in water, so about an hour after watering, dump out any water that may be left in the tray under the pot. Here's some links:
http://houseplants-care.blogspot.com/2006/08/dieffenbachia-dumb-cane-plant-care.html
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/dumbcane.html
http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/containerindoor/houseplants/threehouseplants.asp
Hope this helps a little!
Yes it does help. :) Thanks!
I am still a little unclear in how often to water... one site says keep soil moist at all times, and another says to allow it to dry between waterings. lol.
The yellowing, dying leaves could be from too much water. You don't want the soil to be soaking wet and soggy which can cause root rot.
You should only water when the plant needs it. It will not need water every day unless you are just giving it a trickle at a time. Stick your finger about an inch down into the soil. If it feels damp, you won't need to water, if it feels dry then it's probably time to water again.
I have been growing house plants for 40 years and mine are kept on the dry side. No one will be able to tell you how often you should water, that is something you will have to determine by keeping an eye on the plant and figuring out it's needs. You can trim off any yellowing or brown leaves.
Good luck with your lovely plant!
the plant may also need new compost and re potted, plus give a feed of liquid indoor plant food every 2 weeks to compensate for lack of natural light, the best way to tell if your plant need water is to poke your finger into the soil, if it is wet it will stick to your finger, if dry it will feel dry, they need plenty of water but not sitting in a saucer of water, so you will learn what it needs as you go along, good luck. WeeNel.
Hey. I am feeding him regularly, and I sit him out in the window over the weekend at my office every couple of weeks... I guess I can start doing it every weekend...
I've developed gnats in both of the plants on my desk... this and my zz plant, so I've laid off the watering until I HAVE to water them... It's working so far cause I am really trying to avoid pesticides if I can.
Anyways, thanks y'all.
I think I read somewhere that hydrogen peroxide gets rid of gnats? Not sure, it does something though! I think I also read something about putting sand on top of your potting soil to detour the gnats from laying eggs...they'll think its dry and won't lay their eggs. These are both things being recalled from a weak memory, so I may be totally wrong! Hope your plants have dried out a little!
Kristie
