Propagating A Dieffenbachia: How To Propagate Dieffenbachia Plants

Dieffenbachia can be an attractive and almost carefree houseplant that adds a tropical statement to almost any room. Once you have a healthy plant growing in your home, you have the potential for an endless supply of new, smaller plants simply by propagating cuttings and clippings from the original parent plant. Keep reading for information on propagating a dieffenbachia plant.

Dieffenbachia Propagation

Dieffenbachia is also known as the dumb cane because the stems and leaves contain a chemical that will sting and burn the mouth for weeks if it comes in contact with the tender flesh. It can also cause loss of speech and the sap or juice from the stems can irritate the skin. 

Always wear rubber gloves and consider using eye protection every time you work with your dieffenbachia, especially when rooting a dieffenbachia clipping. Starting a collection of new dieffenbachia plants is a simple procedure that even the most novice indoor gardener can easily handle.

How to Propagate Dieffenbachia Plants

The easiest way to propagate your dieffenbachia is by rooting cuttings, either tip cuttings or stem cuttings. Plant these small pieces of greenery in the right medium and they will produce roots and, eventually, an entirely new plant. 

Use a sharp razor blade to remove parts of the plant to be used for dieffenbachia propagation and always make sure to discard this razor blade after use to prevent the spread of irritating chemicals. Cut the tips from the end of the plant or look for shoots coming from the main stem. 

If your plant is overgrown and has dropped so many leaves that you have a bare stem, slice this stem into 2 inch (5 cm.) pieces and use these for propagation. Just make sure to keep the stems right side up, as the roots will only grow if you stick the right end of the stem in the rooting medium. Fill a planter with sand, sphagnum moss, or another rooting medium. 

Moisten the entire contents and let it drain before planting the cuttings. Moisten the cut end of the cutting or the bottom end of the stem piece and dip it in a spoonful of rooting hormone powder. Tap the cutting gently to remove any excess powder. Make a small hole in the planting medium with a pencil and place the powdered stem end in the hole.

Push the medium up against the stem to hold it in place. Repeat with all the other pieces of stem you wish to root. Keep the cuttings moist, but not wet, and place the planter in a warm, dim spot. Depending on the variety of dieffenbachia plant you own, you should see new roots growing in three to eight weeks. Wait until you have new green shoots growing before transplanting the baby plants to new containers.