Houseplant Notes from Around the Web
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) FAQ
by drayas / Logical Mama
15 Sep 2011 at 11:42pm
Problem
My Dieffenbachia plants are tall and falling over. What?s wrong?
Answer
Typically Dumb Cane will get fuller before taller. Your plants may not be receiving enough light and therefore reaching. Move them closer to a window.
Problem
My Dieffenbachia?s leaves are yellowing.
Answer
Yellowing leaves is a fairly common problem, not only with Dumb Cane plants but many houseplants in general. Yellowing leaves can also signal one many potentials problems. Sometimes the yellowing of the foliage is a signal that the plant is not receiving enough light or water. On the opposite side of things, yellowing leaves could simply mean the plant is shedding older foliage.
Problem
My Dieffenbachia foliage is turning yellow and drooping. What?s wrong?
Answer
The yellowing of the leaves and drooping may mean you are over / under watering your plant. Before making that assumption though, check the undersides of the leaves for some type of pests. Sometime spider mites can cause these symptoms. If you do see tiny red spots or some other sort of houseplant pest, spray the entire plant twice per day with a soapy dishwater detergent.
Problem
Can Dieffenbachia be propagated?
Answer
Yes. if your Dumb Cane plant has fallen over or continues to fall over, you can split it easily. This houseplant easily roots itself by simply placing it in water until iiiDieffenbachia and stuck it in water with rocks on the bottom. The plant then rooted and was ready to go.
Problem
My Dumb Cane plants has grown ?pods?. What are they?
Answer
The pods are Dieffenbachia?s flower. They look almost like a bean. Dumb Cane?s typically do not flower often. I personally never had mine flower (unfortunately), however readers have shared their experiences. For additional information please see http://plantsarethestrangestpeople.blogspot.com/2008/11/random-plant-event-special.html
Problem
The foliage on my Dumb Cane plant is no longer a beautiful green and it has lost its white centers. What can I do to get the markings back on my Dieffenbachia?
Answer
Typically houseplants will lose some of their color luster because they are not receiving enough light. Try moving the plant to an area closer to a window that receives more light each day.
Looking for more advice and tips on caring for this houseplant? Be sure to read the complete Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Plant Care Guide.
Croton Plant FAQ
by drayas / Logical Mama
7 Jan 2011 at 11:23pm
Problem:
My Croton plant has grown long and spindly with many of its leaves falling off. Can I save my plant?
Answer:
Typically those signs would signal that your Croton is not receiving enough light. I personally have never tried it, however you can try cutting the plant off under the leaf line and new shoots may begin to grow. Keep your plant near bright light to prevent the spindling from occurring again.
Problem:
The leaves are all falling off my Croton.
Answer:
Make sure your houseplant is receiving enough water. Croton?s require heavy water levels. Water your houseplant weekly if not more, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Be sure your pot allows for proper drainage. Use distilled or untreated water. Croton?s can be touchy to chemicals in the water.
Problem:
I left my Croton outside too long. The plant was exposed to the cold and now looks like it?s dying. Is there hope?
Answer:
Croton?s are typically very hardy. They are also temperamental. Continue to provide it with its basic watering and lighting needs and it may spring back. The plant may just be in shock and needs to recover. Time.
Problem:
My Croton?s foliage no longer contains its bright, vibrant colors.
Answer:
Lack of color or dullness in the leaves usually signals a lack of light. Move your Croton closer to a bright window and the vibrant colors should return.
Problem:
The leaves on my Croton are drying up and turning brown on the ends.
Answer:
Foliage browning can signal you may be over watering the plant. The browning ends may also signal the plant needs higher humidity levels. Croton?s require heavier water levels, however keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Utilize a pot with holes in the bottom allowing excess water to drain out, helping to prevent root rot from over-soaked soil near the roots. You can also try using a humidifier if you are in a dry air climate.
Problem:
My Croton has mealybugs. How can I get rid of them?
Answer:
Before trying an pesticide, try using a soapy dishwater mixture. Simply mix dishsoap with water in a spray bottle. Spray the plant down twice a day. If after a couple days you don?t see improvement, then visit your local garden store for a pesticide as the infestation may be too strong for the homemade solution.
Problem:
My Croton just grew 2 stems with very small balls on them from the middle of the plant. What are they?
Answer:
Congratulations! Your Croton is flowering! Go to Google Images and search ?Croton flower? to confirm.
Added Croton Care Tip
When traveling, utilize a water bottle for watering while gone. Poke a few small holes in an empty water bottle. Fill the water bottle with water (leaving a little space for expansion). Turn the bottle upside down and freeze. Then before you leave, put the bottle right side up in your plant allowing your plant to receive water while away.
Thanks missterious518!
Read the complete Croton Plant Care post for additional information on how to care for this houseplant.
For more houseplant care tips, visit houseplants-care.blogspot.com.