Dieffenbachia Maculata

Dieffenbachias have been in cultivation for a very long time because of their decorative foliage. Spontaneous hybridization has occurred as well as a lot of deliberate breeding and this has made total chaos of the nomenclature. Dieffenbachia maculata is often one of the parent plants of the many cultivars. According to some plant experts Dieffenbachia maculata and Dieffenbachia seguine are so closely related that they should in fact be regarded as belonging to the same species. However, there is one obvious difference: the leaves of maculata are more oblong than those of seguine. They also look more fragile and is more sharply pointed. In the market place, the cultivars are currently grouped according to whether they have larger or smaller leaves.
Dieffenbachia is a fickle plant. Some people can keep it thriving for years, others kill it off in a few months. The problems that a dieffenbachia may encounter and cause it to die off are:
• The tips of the leaves were drooping when the plant was bought. Such plants may not have been hardened off properly and hence cannot at first withstand dry air.
• The plant was bought on the street during the cold season (temperatures below 15°C (59°F)). If the plants collapses and withers within a few days take it back to the supplier.
• Withered or mis-shapen leaves or brown spots indicate a disease: bacteria, viruses or fungi.
• Avoid draught and cold at all times. Tem¬peratures should never drop below 15°C (59°F).
• Never let the plant the plant dry out com¬pletely.
• Water liberally with luke-warm water (at at least room temperature) but never leave the pot standing in water.
• Oil fumes, from fires or lamps, are very detrimental.
• Never place dieffenbachias in the sun, but they like a light position. In a dark position the leaf markings fade
• If the air is too dry the leaf edges will turn brown.