Dieffenbachia is a genus of plants from the Araceae plant family. It grows wild in the tropical regions of America and in parts of South and Southeast Asia. Because of its attractively patterned leaves, it is one of the evergreens on the windowsill, especially since it is easy to care for and also grows very well in hydroponics.
Which Dieffenbachia species are best known?
The best known Dieffenbachia species are Dieffenbachia seguine, Dieffenbachia bowmannii and Dieffenbachia oerstedii. Common cultivated forms are Dieffenbachia maculata, Dieffenbachia amoena, Dieffenbachia imperialis, Dieffenbachia Exotica and Dieffenbachia X bausei, which differ in leaf shape, size and color.
Numerous species
Over 50 different species of Dieffenbachia are known, but they are difficult to distinguish from one another for the layperson. These plants are available to buy in countless color variations and leaf patterns. They are almost always hybrids of these varieties:
- Dieffenbachia seguine
- Dieffenbachia bowmannii
- Dieffenbachia oerstedii
The following are some cultivated forms that can often be found commercially:
Dieffenbachia maculata
This is probably the most widespread hybrid form, characterized by the elliptically shaped, relatively wide leaves with tapered ends. The ivory white pattern stands out beautifully from the dark green base color.
The cultivated form Dieffenbachia maculata “Julius Roehrs” has a special feature: the leaves of the young plants are creamy white and only get a bright green midrib, green edges and green leaf spots when they are older.
Dieffenbachia amoena
This foliage plant has slightly more elongated foliage than D. maculata, which is also elliptical in shape. A pretty creamy white marbling stands out along the central main vein.
Dieffenbachia imperialis
The leaves of this cultivated form have a slightly leathery structure and reach impressive dimensions of up to sixty centimeters long and thirty centimeters wide. They are tinted deep dark green and have irregularly spaced, yellowish green spots.
Dieffenbachia bowmannii
Leaf shape and leaf size of this variety are identical to those of D. imperialis. However, leaf spots are colored light green.
Dieffenbachia Exotica
This is a smaller plant, this Dieffenbachia produces leaves that are a maximum of 25 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide. The dark green foliage has a strong light green to creamy white pattern.
Dieffenbachia X bausei
This Dieffenbachia also has slightly smaller leaves. In contrast to Exotica, the leaves of this cultivated form are yellow-green with deep dark green spots and light dots. The dark green leaf edges stand out attractively from the leaf color.
Tip
All Dieffenbachia species are slightly poisonous. Therefore, wear gloves when caring for the plant and place the plant out of the reach of children and pets.
