#215360
Jun 11th, 2008 at 11:16 PM
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Hey, im new here and i have some questions about the Dumb Cane plant, also known as Dieffenbachia (sorry if i mispelled), I bought it a couple of days ago and i've been looking on the internet and in books about water, fertilizer, light, and etc. And i can't seem to get a solid answer, all of these sources give me something different, so i would find it helpfull if an actual person could tell me what all it takes to grow this nice plant. All im sure is that you should let the soild dry slightly before watering. Also im wondering if i should keep this plant indoors all year or let it summer outdoors. I live in Southern Arkansas, on the edge of 7b and 8a USDA hardiness zone. It can get up to 80, 90, or even 100 degres F. sometimes in the summer, and it is usually very humid. Sorry for this long post, but I would really enjoy anybody's answers. -Alex
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Deep Purple
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Deep Purple
Joined: Jul 2005
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alex, you're correct that you should let the soil dry out a little...not completely though. and it should be a fast-draining mix - like regular plain soil mixed with cactus soil. the container it's in should have drainage holes and, when you water, do so thoroughly (until you see a bit of water coming out the bottom).
depending on the size of the container it should only need watered every couple weeks (less if in a small pot and longer if the pot is larger).
you can certainly put it outside for the summer - just introduce it to full sunlight gradually (and then in reverse in the fall to lower light conditions). you will have to check the soil more often when it's outside and may have to water more frequently when it's really hot out.
it will do fine down to temps around 55, i think. so, once night temps are consistantly above that, bring it out and when it's starting to chill down in the fall, bring it inside again.
Zone 6b
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Fencer
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Fencer
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I leave my diff outside all summer and I"m in zone 9. it can even take some direct sunlight in the heat of the afternoon, but probably prefers dappled. I bring mine in for the winter when temps drops around 50 degrees. I let mine dry out somewhat between waterings, but keep it on the moist side. mine grows like a stripped ape!
Cricket
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker
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Thanks cricket and Joclyn, I appreciate your responses. What about fertilizer? I just bought it from Lowe's, and i've always read not to fertilize new plants. So how long should i wait until I can fertilize it, and how much should I fertilize it. On the internet some people say every 2 weeks, some every month, and some people say every other month? So I am a little puzzled on that topic, also should I use liquid or solid fertilizer, and how much. Sorry for all those questions, but i feel better whenever an actual person with some experience tells me what to do. I really like this plant and it's about one foot tall, how long does anyone think it will take to reach heights such as 3 or 4 feet.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Fencer
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Fencer
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I don't fertilize mine at all. I may have added some compost to it early this spring when I divided up the plant into two different pots. the plants you get from lowes already have very nice soil. I wouldn't worry about any fertilizer for a while, but I'm not big on fertilizer to begin with.
Cricket
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker
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How big is your Dieffenbachia, and how old is it? I'm just curious on how fast and big Dieffenbachia's grow.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Fencer
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Fencer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,563 |
I got mine last year and it has doubled in size. (doubled in amount of plant, from new shoots coming up from the roots....not in height.) not sure how old it is. it was a full grown plant when I got it and was in about a 2-3 gallon pot. 
Last edited by cricket; Jun 13th, 2008 at 04:02 PM. Reason: added sentence
Cricket
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker
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