Question
Hi,
A friend gave me a cutting rooted in water of Diffenbachia plant that needs to be planted. Can you suggest a soil mix ? Also, I have read that they like to be a root bound ? Should I plant in a small pot and then repot when the roots fill the pot or can I start out with an oversized pot so not to have to repot as soon ?
Thanks
Dan

Answer
Start it in the small pot and pot it up when it is root bound in the pot. Use the good soil that has fertilizer and moisture control. It is more expensive, but you will be glad you used it. Give it plenty of light, so that it doesn't stretch or lean. (They will tolerate indoor light better then some other house plants.)  Turn it also so that it won't become one sided. Diffenbachias have weak stems, so you will have to stake it, when it gets larger, or it will fall over. They are very sensitive to drafts, drought, and chemicals in the water. So if you can leave the water sitting overnight in an open container, it will not be as harmful.
Remember that it is called the "Dumb Cane", because the sap will cause the voice to go mute. So be careful with it.
Expect it to get very large. It is not easily pruned. The lower leaves will yellow and die with age, leaving a bare cane up to the upper leaves.
Don't over fertilize, or over water. Let it dry out some between watering. Also, watch for aphids. They love it.

bakerplanter