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Dieffenbachia plant, also known as the dumb cane plant, is easy to grow a plant.
This plant is available readily, and people prefer to grow it as a houseplant because it is straightforward to take care of and use as an indoor plant.
The plant is called Dumb Cane because however beautiful it looks, you can not ingest it since its outcome is quite problematic because it is poisonous.
It is not a good idea to keep this plant in a closed space with kids due to this reason.
This plant is so easy to grow that it practically takes care of itself.
Although it is not hard to grow, it is still essential for us to know how to take care of it to let it thrive and strive climate and atmosphere we have in our house and country.
Why Are Dieffenbachia Leaves Curling?
There can be many reasons why your dieffenbachia leaves start curling. Let us look at some of the reasons why it might curl.
Your dieffenbachia leaves may be curling for many reasons. The main reason a dieffenbachia leaves are curling is due to spider mites and other pests but it could also be due to the over fertilization, an accumulation of salt, being too cold and under watering.
You should fertilize your dieffenbachia plant once every two weeks starting from March till September.
A typical houseplant fertilizer is an excellent option to fertilize your dieffenbachia and dilute half the recommended amount.
If you see that your leaves are curling, make sure to dilute the fertilizer more the next time.
One more reason why your plant might curl is because of the accumulated salts in the soil. Please drain the soil by giving it enough water to see a gush of water at the bottom of your plant.
If you see that your leaves are drooping without turning yellow, it might be possible that your plant is cold. Try to give it direct sunlight to avoid this problem.
How To Stop Your Dieffenbachia Leaves From Curling?
Dieffenbachia leaves are very easy to grow as houseplants. People often prefer this plant because of how easy it is to grow and take care of.
However, sometimes the leaves start to curl, and people often find ways to stop this from happening.
Let us look at the ways to stop the curling of dieffenbachia leaves.
Soil
Dieffenbachia plant’s sound quality is that they can grow in any soil.
If you give them good soil used around the house, you will find your plant thriving and flashy!
It is better to have well draining soil this is because the leaves like moist and drained soil.
Since the plant’s origin is from tropical America, where the soil is wet throughout the year, it is good to leave your soil a little moist.
Light
Dieffenbachia leaves love sunlight, but since they grow in the tropical regions, they don’t prefer direct sunlight.
To imitate the environment they live in initially, try to keep your plant in a place where sunlight reaches, but too much sunlight can cause the leaves to drop.
Therefore, it is better to avoid giving it too much sunlight.
Water
Dieffenbachia leaves likes to stay in well-drained and saturated soil. Hence make sure to water the plant and check the top 2-3 inches of the soil.
If you overwater the plant, it might damage the plant and lead it to rot. Try to avoid overwatering it and if the top of the soil is wet, then stop watering the plant.
Even if you don’t water your plant keep spraying it with little water to keep it moist since that is what the plants prefer in their native region.
How To Prevent Your Dieffenbachia Leaves From Curling?
There are certain ways you can use to prevent your Dieffenbachia leaves from curling. Let us look at some of the ways below:
Temperature
To prevent your dieffenbachia leaves from curling, you need to give the plant the proper temperature.
Although this houseplant can strive in average room temperature, it is still essential to not place them in areas where the temperature is below 60 Fahrenheit and above 80 Fahrenheit.
Humid
As mentioned above, dieffenbachia leaves love humidity and wet conditions. If you keep them moist, you can prevent the leaves from curling.
Occasionally mist the plant after you’re done watering them.
Fertilizer
Good amount of fertilizer plays an essential role in the way your plant grows.
If you fertilize them properly, you will see a drastic change in your plant and can also prevent the leaves from curling.
Although this plant doesn’t demand too much attention, it is still essential to fertilize it properly.
Too much or too little fertilization can lead to the curling of the leaves.
That is why it is necessary to give them just the right amount of fertilizer they require to thrive!
If you are enjoying the article, check out our article on why are my calathea ornata leaves curling.
Right Way To Water Your Dieffenbachia Plant
The main reason you will see your plant leaves curling is due to excessive or less watering.
If you see your plant leaves curling, follow these simple steps below to see a change in the way your plant grows and thrives.
1) Water the dumb cane at the base of the plant. This way, the soil will absorb all the water and moisture deposits right into the soil. The plants like to be moist but not soggy.
2) When to water your plant is also equally important. Since frequent watering of the plant might cause it to wilt or its leaves to curl.
Hence water the plant just enough to keep 2 to 3 inches of the soil wet. Please keep checking the plant regularly, and when the top of the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant again.
3) You might want to find ways to let your plant drain the water properly. Add a drainage hole at the bottom of your plant to lets the excess water leave out quickly and immediately.
You will have to find the best timings of watering dieffenbachia yourself. Try implementing a routine for your plant, and then see which works out for you!
4) Dieffenbachia prefers the correct water temperature when watering the plant. Try watering it with lukewarm water to see the best results.
Watering is essential for your dieffenbachia plant if you want to prevent or stop the leaves from curling. It is best to look at the quantity of water you give to these plants to see the best results!
How To Make Your Dieffenbachia Bloom?
In order to make your dieffenbachia plant bloom, you need to give them sunlight—a lot of the sunlight but not direct.
Direct sunlight often kills the plant. Hence place the plant in a place where it gets the sunlight it requires, but it should not be direct.
The ideal location would be to put the plant right next to a window to get lots of natural indirect sunlight.
Other Common Problems Dieffenbachia
Other common problems with a dieffenbachia are yellowing leaves, brown tips, slow growth and whity masses.
Yellow Leaves
Often, you will see your dieffenbachia leaves turning yellow.
This is the result of excess moisture loss, which is common during winters or rotting of stem.
If you feel the reason is less humidity, increasing humidity in the room is an excellent way to prevent your plant leaves from turning yellow.
Brown Tips
This is because of inconsistent watering of the plant. Water the plant regularly and leave sometime in between watering it to avoid overwatering the plant.
Slow Growth
This is caused by no or less light.
Whity Masses
Shiny or a sticky substance on your plants signifies that your plant has attracted mealy bugs.
To get rid of them, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and clean the white masses. Try not to clean the leave with it as it can harm your plant.
Pruning Of Dieffenbachia Plant
It always a good idea to occasionally prune your dieffenbachia plant.
You might not want to cut those beautiful leaves, but this pruning is beneficial for your plant, and it is essential to do it.
- Before you start pruning your plant, it is essential to have the right equipments. It is a good idea to wear gloves because the sap produced by the leaves is poisonous.
- Cut the leave at a 45-degree angle. Wherever you make the incision, that is where the growth of the new plant will take place.
- You can also keep these leaves to grow a new plant from scratch!
- After you are done, make sure to thoroughly wash and sterilize all the equipment used in the process since it is poisonous and dangerous.
Final Thoughts: How To Fix Your Dieffenbachia Leaves Curling
Dieffenbachia leaves are excellent and friendly plants. Hence you will see this plant in almost every house since it takes care of itself.
It is essential to give them the right amount of water, soil, and temperature to survive.
This plant’s regional area is in the tropics, and hence this plant loves water and moist soil. Overwatering and less watering of the plant is the leading cause of the plant’s death or wilt.
If you give this plant the proper care it needs, you will see significant changes in your plant looks and see your leaves flashing and thriving!
I hope you liked the tips and tricks. Make sure to follow these small tips to avoid the curling of your dieffenbachia leaves!
Happy Gardening!
