Question
I have two of these plants that seem to like my counter top behind my faucet next to the kitchen window. I have had these for about 2 years and have never repotted. I soak the soil once a week but never let it sit in water (learned that the hard way and almost lost them). I fertilize with a very diluted solution of miracle grow when I water. As of late I have noticed they have become very top heavy (one of them I have had to wrap the stems together for added support) and they are always dropping the lower leaves (meaning they look more like a tree than a bush)and the soil is drying out faster than normal. Please tell me if I should repot these, prune these, or continue the up keep on these. Thanks! Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

You are close. The correct spelling is Dieffenbachia. It is also commonly called Dumb Cane, which is easier to spell!

Your Dieffenbachias is healthy, but not getting enough water. As plants grow, their roots expand and they require more frequent watering. Notice I wrote more frequent watering, not a larger pot. I think you will see a noticeable decline in leaf drop if you give your plant a twice weekly soak as you described. If it reaches the point that twice weekly is not enough to keep the soil properly moist, then you can consider moving it into a pot ONE SIZE larger, but no larger and not before then.

New growth is always at the top ends of the stems. The only way to get leaves down lower is to shorten some or all of the stems by pruning them back. Pruning is always neglected because folks are afraid they will damage the plant. Pruning never harms a plant; it just alters its appearance. Cut the stems back to the point where you would like to see new growth come in. The cuttings can be rooted in water and put together into a small pot once the cuttings have roots that are at least an inch long.

I have written articles on Dieffenbachia care and pruning that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com