Dieffenbachia Pruning Guide – Should You Cut Back Dieffenbachia Plants

One of the most attractive and easy to grow indoor foliage plants is dieffenbachia. This easy going tropical can tend to get leggy and grow unwieldy top growth in some situations. That’s when you know it is time to cut back dieffenbachia. The cut material can be used to start new plants.

Pruning a dieffenbachia is not the same as pruning an evergreen shrub or tree. It is done only to preserve the form, remove dead leaves, and make the growth bushier. When you take top growth off, the plant responds by producing branching stems that make the leaves denser. Regular dieffenbachia pruning results in a thick, strong plant. 

Tips on Trimming Dieffenbachia

With some plants, timing is everything with regard to pruning. Dieffenbachia pruning is different, as it doesn't matter what time of year you practice the task. Trimming dieffenbachia when leaves are damaged or dying, the plant is top heavy, or you are trying to get a young plant to flush new, thicker growth can be done any time. 

Just remember, the sap is poisonous and it can cause skin irritation. Use gloves to prevent sap from getting on your skin, or you could get some nasty contact dermatitis. Wash hands and tools well after pruning. 

How to Prune Dieffenbachia

It is quite easy to cut back dieffenbachia. In order to reduce the plant’s size, cut the upper stem back to a leaf node. If you want to promote bushier growth, remove top growth by pinching or, in older plants, with pruners or shears. New growth will come in just below the cut. If there are damaged leaves, remove the leaf up to the stem, just don't cut into the main stem. 

Instead of removing the entire leaf, you can trim off brown edges by following the curve of the leaf. Always use clean, sharp cutting implements to prevent damage or disease introduction. Don't throw away cuttings -- you can use them to start more of these easy care plants. 

Rooting Cuttings 

After pruning back your dieffenbachia's growth, use the cuttings to start more plants. Prepare a container of sterile plant medium and moisten it thoroughly but not until soggy. Pull off the bottom 1/3 of the leaves and dip the stem into rooting hormone. Shake off the excess hormone. Use a pencil to make a hole in the planting medium and insert the treated stem, packing a bit of medium around the cutting to keep it upright. 

Place the container in a moderate light area of the home. You can also try rooting stems in a glass of room temperature water. Use distilled or purified water to avoid the chemicals and minerals in tap water. Change the water frequently. In time, you will observe roots and it will be time to put the cutting in soil.