The Dieffenbachia is a plant genus from the plant family Arumaceae. It grows wild in the tropical regions of America and in parts of South and Southeast Asia. Because of its attractively patterned leaves, it is one of the evergreens on the windowsill, especially since it is easy to care for and also thrives very well in hydroponics.

The Dieffenbachia Seguine has a broad, light coloration

Numerous species

More than 50 different species of Dieffenbachia are known, but it is difficult for the layman to distinguish them from one another. These plants are available in countless color variations and leaf patterns. They are almost always hybrids of these varieties:

  • Dieffenbachia seguine
  • Dieffenbachia bowmannii
  • Dieffenbachia oerstedii

Below are some cultivated forms that are very common on the market:

Dieffenbachia maculata

This is probably the most widespread hybrid form, characterized by the elliptically shaped, relatively broad leaves with pointed ends. The ivory-white pattern stands out beautifully against the dark green base colour.

The cultivated form Dieffenbachia maculata "Julius Roehrs" has a special feature: the leaves of the young plants are creamy white and only get a bright green colored midrib, green edges and green leaf spots when they are old.

Dieffenbachia amoena

This foliage plant has slightly more elongated foliage than D. maculata, which is also elliptical in shape. A pretty creamy white marbling stands out along the main central vein.

Dieffenbachia imperialis

The leaves of this cultivar have a slightly leathery structure and reach impressive dimensions of up to sixty centimeters in length and thirty centimeters in width. They are tinged with deep dark green and have irregularly distributed, yellowish-green spots.

Dieffenbachia bowmannii

Leaf shape and leaf size of this variety are identical to those of D. imperialis. However, leaf spots are light green in color.

Dieffenbachia exotica

This is dwarf, this Dieffenbachia forms maximum 25 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide leaves. The dark green foliage has bright light green to creamy white markings.

Dieffenbachia X bausei

This Dieffenbachia also has slightly smaller leaves. In contrast to Exotica, the leaves of this cultivar are yellow-green with deep dark green spots and light spots. The dark green leaf edges stand out attractively from the leaf colour.

tips

All Dieffenbachia species are slightly poisonous. Therefore, wear gloves when caring for it and keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets.

Category:

Indoor plants