Does dieffenbachia bloom and how to achieve this at home? subtleties of care

Popular conjectures

Plants can often acquire, guided only by signs about them. A living tree - to improve the financial side of life, geranium - from the evil eye, but the "heroine" of our article was not immediately lucky in this sense. Still not knowing whether dieffenbachia is poisonous or not, already unpleasant properties were attributed to it. The poor thing was called the flower of celibacy, endowed with the properties of getting rid of the owner in the room where she is. And if an unmarried lady decides to bring this flower into her apartment, seduced by its lovely wide leaves, then she will not find a soul mate forever and ever. Dieffenbachia is a poisonous "friend", according to popular superstition, she will make a divorcee out of her mistress in no time, or worse, a widow. Fearfully? But if you include prudence, then you can remember more than one happy family in which there is the above-named plant.

Superstitious people are very wary of the blooming of Dieffenbachia. As soon as she fired the arrow, the owner of the house loses his masculine power, they think. Some go further and reinforce the horror story by the fact that if a couple got this flower in themselves and it suddenly releases an ear, then the unfortunate children will not appear until they evict an innocent plant from the apartment.

Another legend is also associated with the flowering of dieffenbachia. It is generally accepted that it occurs when a nervous environment reigns in the room. Frequent quarrels and scandals allegedly contribute to the appearance of a flower-cob. But these rumors have no scientific basis and are only a popular assumption. A sane person understands that any plant blooms when external factors, similar to conditions in the wild, contribute to it.

Should you believe the signs?

Don't you think it's easiest to blame the cause of any problems on someone else, for example, on a plant? In many cases, people do this, and, of course, there is no documentary evidence of the adverse effects of dieffenbachia.

Moreover, the forums are full of entries from women who are happily married and raising children, who have had this plant for more than a decade.

Dieffenbachia lovers believe that this flower fills the house with positive energy, purifies and ozonizes the air, brings joy and aesthetic pleasure. It can also be used as a natural barometer: when droplets of moisture appear on the leaves, it will rain.

If you are still interested in how often dieffenbachia blooms, then theoretically this can happen every year. But there is no beauty in this, and there is no benefit for the plant either. Therefore, if dieffenbachia has bloomed, admire it once, and then cut out the arrows until flowers form.

Varieties of dieffenbachia

Breeders have created a huge number of hybrids and varieties of plants with various colors, although this in itself is attractive. There are about 40 species that look great in the interior. They differ in color, shape and height. For example, it can be bush or stem. The second option is a tree dieffenbachia, which looks like a tree, and gives the lower shoots extremely rarely. The bush view, on the other hand, gives growth from the ground. And before getting an answer to the question why it is impossible to keep dieffenbachia at home, in the photo we will consider several of its varieties:

  • Oersteda - the crown has a uniform color. The leaves are green with a wide vein in the center, slightly elongated, have a pointed shape.
  • Seguina - characterized by oblong leaves. The length of the petioles is equal to the size of the leaves. They are slightly rounded at the base. The stalk is green, has white blotches in the form of strokes of different sizes. It looks like a tree.
  • Bauze - has a long tree-like trunk, grows up to a meter. The leaves are wide, with marble patterns.
  • Spotted - the crown frames the trunk with a chic cascade of leaves. They are variegated, have specks of different shades. Finicky to care.
  • Leopolda is a short plant with dark green leaves that may have a purple tint. There is a wide vein in the center. The shape of the leaves is elliptical.
  • Adorable - short, but has large leaves of a dark green color with veins and white stripes.
  • Camilla is a tall plant that grows up to 2 meters. It has oval, elongated green leaves with a darker edging.
  • Green Magic is a small, neat plant with short stalks and compact white striped leaves.

Care

Under natural conditions, the "widow's flower" grows in the tropics, and therefore needs a lot of heat and high humidity. This is a rather whimsical plant that requires special care. Let's talk in detail what conditions are required for dieffenbachia and how to care for it.

Lighting

The availability of sunlight directly depends on the type of dieffenbachia. Spotted varieties need bright, diffused light, but varieties with few spots are grown in partial shade.

In summer, the plant feels good on an open balcony or veranda in the absence of sudden changes and drafts.

Humidity and watering

The plant will require abundant and regular watering, while the water should be soft and settled. The drying out of the upper layer of the substrate indicates the need for watering, while the complete drying of the earthen coma threatens the death of the bush.

Overflows also negatively affect the well-being of dieffenbachia - the roots of the plant are rather fragile and can rot from a large amount of water.

With the onset of cold watering should be gradually reduced and carried out only after the soil has dried by half.

High air humidity is another important parameter. The exotic beauty is accustomed to tropical humid climates and requires regular spraying. In summer, the flower reacts well to a warm shower, and once a week it is necessary to wipe the leaves of the plant with a damp cloth.

Top dressing

Due to its rapid growth, the flower needs complex regular feeding, the frequency of which in a warm season is 1 time in 7-10 days. Mineral and organic agents are introduced into the soil, alternating with each other. During the rest period, feeding is stopped, because The “widow's flower” cannot assimilate them.

How to transplant?

The most favorable period for transplantation is winter, when the “widow's flower” is at rest and tolerates the procedure more easily. The fact that a transplant is required will be evidenced by the roots peeping out of the drainage holes.

The frequency of transplants is approximately once every 3-4 years. Until that time, it will be necessary to replace the top layer of the earth with a frequency of 1 time in 2 years.

The transplant capacity is increased by 2-3 cm, after which the dieffenbachia is transferred along with the old lump of earth. The drainage layer must be changed, and the voids must be filled with fresh soil.

Priming

For planting a plant and its further transplantation, purchased mixtures for dieffenbachia are well suited. If it is not possible to buy a ready-made substrate, you can make it yourself by mixing the following components:

  • sand - 1 part;
  • humus - 1 part;
  • land - 3 parts.

The bottom layer must necessarily be drainage, for which expanded clay, pebbles or clay shards are suitable.

Pot

The main rule for choosing a dieffenbachia pot is as follows: it should not be too large. It is enough to pick up a capacity that is twice the size of the root ball, and at the same time be stable.

How to trim?

Dieffenbachia is a fast-growing flower, therefore, after a while, it stretches strongly, losing its decorative effect. The bush needs regular pruning, which can be done in two ways:

Cut off the top of the plant and then root it. Pruning should be at a distance of 2 cm from the node in which there are dormant buds. The procedure is carried out with sterile scissors or pruning shears, and the sections must be treated with charcoal.

4 days before the start of manipulations, the culture is not watered - this is necessary to reduce the amount of juice secreted, because it is poisonous.

Trim the trunk at a distance of 10 cm above the ground. The cut should have even edges, and there should be at least 2-3 buds on the hemp for the further growth of the bush. Remember to process the slices the same way. Also, the stump should be covered with polyethylene or a glass jar to create a greenhouse effect. The "greenhouse" is aired daily, and when new shoots appear, the film is finally removed.

Plants that appeared 50 million years ago?

Palm trees

Basic content requirements

Dieffenbachia of this variety has unusual velvety leaves.

Next, we will briefly consider the basic requirements for keeping dieffenbachia at home. The table is a simple algorithm that helps a novice florist avoid mistakes.

Lighting

The plant needs a sufficient amount of sunlight. It is better to place it on the eastern and western windowsills. in the south it will have to be shaded. because contact with direct sunlight may cause sunburn.

Watering

In summer it is plentiful. In winter, during a period of relative dormancy, it is carried out as the earth mass dries out.

Air humidity

Increased. Dieffenbachia leaves should be sprayed with purified water and wiped with a special sponge. In the summer, you can shower the plant.

Temperature

Not lower than 18 degrees

It is equally important to exclude the impact of a draft.

Top dressing

Complex fertilizer is applied to the soil 1 time in 2 weeks during the period of active growth.

Reproduction

Provided with apical and stem cuttings.

Transfer

Young specimens - annually, adults - once every 2-4 years.

Dormant period

Not pronounced, the plant is evergreen. In winter, the growth rate of the plant is significantly reduced.

These rules are key, but in order to understand all the nuances of growing dieffenbachia in an apartment, you need to consider each item presented in the table in more detail.

Lighting

The plant grows well and develops in places with good lighting. Dieffenbachia is best placed on the east, west window sill or near the south window. On the northern side, it will actively stretch out into growth, the gaps between the leaves will increase, and the plates themselves will grind and lose their unusual color.

In summer, it is better to take the flowerpot out into the garden and place it under the shade of trees. Don't worry about potential pest attacks. Aroids are not susceptible to their attack. The only thing, before you bring the flowerpot into the house in the fall, dieffenbachia needs to be processed, this will make it possible to protect other plants in the immediate vicinity.

All the intricacies of dieffenbachia care are discussed in the following video:

Dieffenbachia suffers greatly from a lack of sunlight. Its stem is rapidly stretching, becoming thinner and more brittle. The leaves at the bottom of the trunk become smaller.

Watering

During the period of active growth (March-September), the plant should be watered abundantly. At the same time, high-quality drainage should be arranged at the bottom of the flowerpot, having a layer thickness of 1.5-2 cm.It will prevent decay of the plant root system.

Spotted Dieffenbachia is the most common variety

As the color day decreases, dieffenbachia goes to rest, so that the plant is well rested, watering must be reduced. There is no need to rearrange the flowerpot, it remains in a permanent place.

Air humidity

Dieffenbachia, like all aroids, is a tropical guest on the windowsill and the high humidity of the environment is natural for it. If this requirement is not met, the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, the plates themselves lose their turgor and shine. This indicator can be corrected by regular spraying or after installing the pot with the plant on a pallet with wet expanded clay. It is convenient to use a special device to increase air humidity. It is sold in home appliance stores. Simple models for home use are not expensive.

Air temperature

The main requirement for this indicator is that the room temperature does not drop below 17 degrees. A tropical plant simply cannot survive in the cold.

The plant has large leaves, in an apartment they reach 50 cm in length

A critical decrease in the temperature indicator, of course, will not affect the state of the culture in the best way. Most likely, the tropical beauty will shed its leaves, and in the case of a slight overflow, it can rot. It is also worth ensuring that there are no drafts.

Top dressing

During the period of active growth of dieffenbachia, sufficient nutrition is required. Mineral fertilizer should be applied to the soil at intervals of 1 time per 14 days. It is better to use a complex composition. If the pattern on the leaves does not appear clearly, the nitrogen concentration in the solution should be increased.

Beneficial features

The history of the domestication of Dieffenbachia is almost two hundred years. Such a long acquaintance made it possible to diversify the study of the plant, including as an object of decorative use at home.

Useful properties of dieffenbachia:

  • regulates the air humidity in the room, contributes to the deposition of dust on the surface;
  • releases phytoncides - biological active substances that suppress the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria;
  • absorbs harmful components of exhaust gases;
  • neutralizes toxic substances contained in the finishing materials of living quarters, cleaning and detergents.

However, the positive qualities of dieffenbachia do not negate the danger of this plant, since its juice contains poison. It contains oxalic acid, its derivative calcium oxalate, alkaloids, essential oils. The flower can cause significant harm to the health of people and pets.

Are there many types of such a flower bred in our country

Want to buy Dieffenbachia? You have plenty to choose from! Any of the species listed below have succulent, thick stems and large leaves. The color of the leaves may vary depending on the species.

Large-leaved. Relatively low (up to a meter) plant with green leaves.

Leopold. This dieffenbachia is also not too high. Green leaves have a noticeable light (whitish) central vein.

Lovely. Also known as delightful dieffenbachia. Large view: the leaves grow up to 50 cm, the plant itself - up to 1.5 meters. The leaf blades are decorated with striking white stripes running alongside the veins. This is an option for beginners, as the plant is unpretentious.

Spotted. Decorative-leaved view with spots of whitish, light green, light green color. Moreover, not all varieties of such a plant necessarily have spots. For example, Camilla can be recognized by light green leaves in the middle and dark green at the edges. In addition to this variety, Tropic Sun and Tropic Snow are considered popular.

Seguin. The view is similar to the previous one, but the leaves are not so variegated. And the leaves of this dieffenbachia are wider in size. Some growers call them striped and even "tiger".

Shrub (the most popular is Green Magic). These are already hybrids. The photo above shows the difference between the bush dieffenbachia and the stem, tree-like.

Compact. Not only are these bushes, but also small (up to 40 cm). Is it really necessary to live in a huge apartment to buy Dieffenbachia?

And then there are less popular, but also cute Dieffenbachia ...

  • Baraguina (with white petioles, dark green leaves, decorated with rare light dots);
  • Oersted (the leaves are very similar to Leopold's dieffenbachia, but the central vein is not whitish, but light green);
  • Bauman (green leaves, decorated with small light specks - this type is chosen by the owners of large houses, as it grows to the ceiling, leaves are more than 50 cm).

Varieties

More than 40 varieties of dieffenbachia are known. It is a shrub with large, patterned leaves. They differ mainly in color.

Consider the popular varieties:

Leopold

Leopold

  • This is a stunted variety.
  • She has beautiful leaves, they are similar in shape to an ellipse. In the middle they have a white vein.
  • The cuttings are short, their color is green with purple splashes. Grows wild in Costa Rica.
  • The variety loves sunlight and clean air. But drafts and direct sunlight can harm him.
  • Of the pests, Leopold can be attacked by a spider mite.

Spotted

Spotted

  • Dieffenbachia spotted has a powerful stem. Its base grows stiff over time.
  • It is adorned with a hat made of leaves. It is heterogeneous in color and size.
  • The leaf is oval with a pointed outer edge. It is green in color with chaotic white dots.
  • The more light the plant receives, the more there are.
  • This species grows rapidly, under favorable conditions a new leaf grows within 7 days.
  • Each of them is the basis for a new leaf. She comes from America.

Camilla

Camilla

  • Grows in the wild up to two meters. She has a powerful trunk, covered with elongated leaves.
  • The middle is white with a green border.
  • The white spot decreases as the leaf plate grows.
  • Her homeland is the tropics of South America.
  • At home, you need to keep it in partial shade.
  • The air temperature should be warm.
  • The variety does not tolerate a draft.

Seguina

Seguina

  • The variety is a hike to the spotted variety. Its difference is the shape of the leaves, they are similar in shape to an egg.
  • They can grow up to 50 cm in length. They are decorated with light spots, but in smaller quantities than that of the spotted one.
  • The petioles are flat, knife-shaped. They are covered with white stripes and spots.
  • Homeland of the Seguina Brazil. It grows in tropical rainforests.

White flame

White flame

  • Dieffenbachia variety "White Flame" grows up to 50 cm.
  • The Dutch took him out.
  • It got its name from the light middle of the leaf plate, which resembles a flame.
  • The leaves are 30 cm long and 20 cm wide.

Barkwena

Barkwena

  • Similar to the spotted variety.
  • Differs in snow-white cuttings and the same vein running in the middle of the leaf.
  • She has a lot of spots on the leaf plates, which makes them appear almost white.

Adorable

Adorable

  • Lovely in close relationship with the Seguin variety.
  • Its difference is in a more rare deciduous cap.
  • The sheets are large with white stripes.
  • This species is very hardy.
  • It continues to grow and develop even in dark rooms.
  • Its main enemy is the spider mite.

Bause

Bause

  • Dieffenbachia Bause is a bred hybrid variety.
  • It has very wide and oblong leaves.
  • They have a frequent pattern of white blotches.
  • She doesn't like darkness. From a lack of light, the pattern leaves the foliage.
  • It dies at temperatures below 10 degrees.
  • You need to protect against mealybugs and spider mites.

Oersted

Oersted

  • Dieffenbachia Oersteda has a strong trunk.
  • Spotted leaves are symmetrically located on it.
  • They are large in size, up to 35 cm in length.
  • Their shape resembles an elongated heart.
  • The variety is photophilous, it loves clean air.
  • But how many representatives of the family are afraid of the draft.
  • Her homeland is America.

Magnificent or Royal

Magnificent or Royal

  • Magnificent Dieffenbachia grows in Venezuela.
  • Lettuce-colored leaves are riddled with white veins and dots.
  • They are small in size.
  • The variety is picky enough.Loves regular watering.
  • It is undesirable to put it in the sun, they can leave a burn on the plant.
  • When growing this species, you need to monitor the temperature regime.
  • Sudden changes can ruin her.

Broadleaf

Broadleaf

  • Dieffenbachia broadleaf grows in the rainforests of Colombia.
  • Thanks to her homeland, she loves warmth and moisture.
  • For its stable growth, this condition must be observed.
  • It has a strong stem and broad leaves.
  • They are decorated with a white pattern of veins and spots.
  • The petioles are half the length of the leaf.

Large-leaved

Large-leaved

  • Dieffenbachia large-leaved native to the forests of Peru.
  • This fact explains her love for the shadow.
  • The trunk is powerful up to 1 meter in height.
  • This species has large ovoid leaves.
  • They are green in color.
  • They are divided in the center by a light vein.
  • Their size reaches 60 cm in length and 40 cm in width.
  • The juice of this variety has a pungent and unpleasant odor.

Dracaena marginata - care after purchase, transplant, reproduction at home (140 Photos)

Why can't you keep Dieffenbachia at home? Photo of a flower and prejudices associated with it

First, that dieffenbachia is a poisonous plant. Leaving aside prejudices and superstitions, this fact alone is enough to get rid of the flower. Especially if there are children and animals in the house. The milky sap that the plant secretes when a leaf is broken or the trunk is damaged is extremely poisonous. It causes severe skin irritation, but is especially dangerous for the mucous membranes. If the milky juice gets into the eyes, it threatens the person with loss of vision. Swelling of the tongue and loss of speech are also possible.

By the way, to prove this, there is one very interesting fact, which, probably, will definitely make you wonder whether it is possible to keep dieffenbachia at home - in the photo there is a cute and attractive flower. It says that for a long time guilty slaves, namely those who talked a lot and not on business, were obliged to bite the stem of the plant. Naturally, severe swelling of the tongue and larynx occurred, and then people could not speak for a long time. Surely after such a punishment, even when the speech returned, they preferred to remain silent for a long time.

There is also a popular superstition associated with this flower. It explains why dieffenbachia cannot be kept at home. In the photo - "muzhegon". But there seems to be a logical explanation for this prejudice. It is believed that dieffenbachia has a negative effect on a man's potency. And if there is such a flower in the house, then the married couple will not be able to have children for a long time. In this regard, it is often called the "widow's", "old maid" and "celibate" flower. In addition to the fact that dieffenbachia supposedly negatively affects male potency, it also repels representatives of the stronger sex with its energy. Therefore, they leave home.

What is this plant: benefit or harm

Dieffenbachia is fanned with myths, probably more than all other house flowers. I'll tell you about each, with comments from my own acquaintance with this plant.

Harm

It is believed that the sap of the plant is poisonous, it is strictly forbidden to get it into the wound, as well as on the mucous membrane (do not rub your eyes when trimming the flower) or into our stomach. And in general, it is better to work with the stem and leaves with gloves.

True, I (still not knowing all this) boldly worked with the plant with bare hands, and never felt any discomfort on the skin. True, my skin is resistant to everything - I'm not allergic.

Do not allow pets and birds to bite or peck on dieffenbachia leaves. And if the plant blooms and delights you with berries, remember that they are also poisonous!

By the way, it is believed that wild dieffenbachia are many times more poisonous than their indoor relatives (in their homeland, they even make poison for rodents from plants).

Benefit

  • The plant purifies the air by absorbing formaldehyde and other hazardous compounds that we may not even smell. There are especially many of them after renovation (new laminate, vinyl wallpaper, glue for them, paints).
  • It can serve as a home barometer. Before the rain, when the air pressure decreases, the surface of the leaves may be covered with dewdrops. You do not need to wipe them. On my own I will add: not all species "cry", or maybe not in every apartment. My flower (spotted dieffenbachia) was not one of the crying ones.

What other bushy plant can be used to decorate your home? I will not go far - there are many worthy examples in the Aroid family, to which Dieffenbachia also belongs. This video will show you the most popular colors:

Common problems

The flowering of dieffenbachia is of no value, the flowers are inconspicuous, so they should be removed after dissolution

Problems when growing dieffenbachia appear quite rarely, because the plant belongs to the undemanding group, but the risk of their formation cannot be completely excluded. Most often, growers are faced with the following:

  1. The tips of the leaves dry out. This is most often due to insufficient spraying, drafts, or sudden temperature changes. The plant requires stable performance.
  2. Loss of brightness. The reason is lack of sunlight or power supply.
  3. The leaf has become smaller. Most likely, the soil contains high concentrations of nitrogen. To eliminate the problem, you need to stop introducing mineral compounds into the soil, a break should be taken for 2 months.
  4. Loss of turgor of the trunk and leaves. The problem is excessive waterlogging or acidification of the soil. The root system of the plant rots.
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