Tropical Dumb Cane

Also known as Diffenbachia
The Dumb Cane is one of the types of evergreen shrubs that
originated as a rainforest plant that over a hundred years ago it got introduced as tropical house plants and has become one of the most popular common house plants because of its tolerance for shade.
It also grows as an evergreen outdoors in warmer climates and gets much larger out doors that indoors after all it is a tropical rainforest plant that according to a plant identifier are evergreen shrubs.
When the climate is just right when grown out doors it can reach up to 6 feet tall and is quite amazing, unfortunately not seen much in domesticated gardens unless it’s in tropical zones 9 or higher.
All parts of this plant are poisonous. It will cause a painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat. If handling this plant make sure to avoid eye contact with the juices which can result in intense pain and swelling and itching. It’s always best to use gloves when handling it.
The worst part it is that it can causes a speech impediment, sometimes lasting for several days.
This is why the plant got its nick name Dumbcane, because the plant left you unable to speak and everyone else dumfounded.
The scientific name of plants for this species is Diffencahia which was named after a German botanist whom discovered this tropical plant.


How to grow plants like the Dumb Cane
If you are going to attempt to grow this in your evergreen gardens there are a few thing to make sure before you try.
If you want it to live year round as an evergreen you must live in zones 9, 10 or 11 and not have hard frost or snow in the winters.
Weather outside your house or grown in your home as tropical house plants remember this plant loves the sun just not direct sun, these low light plants need filtered or bright indirect light to survive.
It loves the heat, so no fear of it wilting on hot days, but then it also loves its humidity or moisture. So when watering your plant, its best thoroughly water your plat but don’t let it dry out completely till you r next watering.
Using a rich fertilized soil will give you the best results.
The Diffenbachia also grows great in a container, planter or pot in your home or tropical patio.



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