Dieffenbachia, which comes from the rainforests of South and Central America, is probably one of the best-known and most popular houseplants. One of the reasons for this is that it is considered extremely easy to care for and looks very attractive with its spotted or striped leaves. However, the leaves sometimes turn an unpleasant yellow color and fall off.
Why does my Dieffenbachia have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a Dieffenbachia can be caused by drafts, incorrect location, dry heating air or lack of water. To solve the problem, place the plant in a protected, partially shaded location and ensure adequate humidity and water supply.
The reasons for this can be:
- Draft
- wrong location
- dry heating air
- Water shortage
Dieffenbachia doesn't like drafts
If the leafy plant stands in front of a frequently tilted window or directly at a door, cool air constantly flows around the leaves. The plant doesn't like this at all and reacts to it by turning the leaves yellow.
Remedy
Place the Dieffenbachia in a sheltered, warm place where it will recover quickly.
Wrong location
Dieffenbachia is also sensitive to a lack of light in a very dark place.
Remedy
A partially shaded location, for example on a west or east window, is ideal. If the Dieffenbachia is a little away from the window, a plant lamp (€89.00 on Amazon) switched on every hour provides enough light.
Bad indoor climate
Especially in the winter months, the humidity in the apartment often drops to a level that jungle plants like the dieffenbachia are not at all comfortable with.
Remedy
In this case, improve the climate by:
- Set up an indoor fountain.
- Place evaporation trays near the plants.
- Mist or wipe the leaves regularly.
Was it watered too much or too little?
Did you perhaps mean too well with the watering or watered too sparingly for fear of root rot? This can also initially lead to the leaves turning yellow before they dry out and are finally thrown off.
Remedy
Water the Dieffenbachia whenever the top centimeters of the substrate feel dry. You should pour away any excess water in the saucer after a few minutes.
Tip
It is natural for the lower leaves of the Dieffenbachia to die and shed. If the plant becomes bald, it can be cut back to around twenty centimeters. It then sprouts again fresh and strong.
