Dieffenbachia 'Camille' Care Guide
Dieffenbachia 'Camille' Care Guide: Tips for Growing and Caring for this Popular Indoor Plant
Dieffenbachia 'Camille', also known as Camille Dumb Cane, is a classic houseplant that is popular among indoor gardeners due to its ease of care and striking appearance. Native to the rainforests of Brazil and the West Indies, this plant belongs to the Araceae family and has large, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread 2 feet wide.
If you're looking to grow Dieffenbachia 'Camille' in your home, here are some tips to help you get started:
Interesting Facts:
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The plant is known for its air-purifying properties, with research showing it can remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air.
- The word Dumb Cane comes from the toxins in the plant called (Raphides), causing temporary paralysis of the mouth if ingested. Keep these away from your pets and children as these are toxic if ingested. Their sap is also irritating to the skin, so make sure to use gloves when trimming the leaves or propagating.
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The plant is part of the Araceae family, which includes other popular houseplants like the Monstera deliciosa and the Peace Lily.
'Camille' Care Guide
Light:
The Dieffenbachia 'Camille' can tolerate a range of lighting conditions. Bright filtered light to bright indirect light is ideal, but low light is also fine. It is a great plant for corners or darker areas.
Water:
Keep the soil relatively moist but not soggy, as overwatering can cause root rot. Allowing the soil to dry out a little bit between waterings is best. Droopy leaves are a sign that the plant needs watering.
Soil:
Well draining soil while being able to retain moisture is the key to keeping these happy. We found that using a mix of coco coir chunks, ground coco coir and perlite brings great.
Fertilizer:
The Dumb Cane really doesn't need all that much fertilizer. Maybe 1x a month or so. Any water soluble fertilizer works great or any commercial slow release fertilizers are just as great!
Propagation:
Propagation of Dieffenbachia 'Camille' is relatively easy, making it a great option for beginner gardeners looking to expand their plant collection. The most common method of propagation is through stem cuttings, which can be taken from the parent plant during the spring or summer months.
- Start by selecting a healthy stem cutting that's about 6 inches long and has a few leaves attached.
- Next, remove the bottom leaves from the stem, leaving a few nodes exposed.
- Finally, place the cutting into sterile well-draining potting mix or water.
Optionally: Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, and then plant the stem into a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright, indirect light spot. In a few weeks, you should see roots developing, and new growth will soon follow. Keep in mind that it's important not to overwater the cutting during the rooting process, as this can cause rot. Once the cutting has established roots and is showing signs of new growth, you can transplant it to a larger pot and treat it as you would a mature plant.
Growing In Water:
Dieffenbachia 'Camille' can also be grown hydroponically, which means growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than soil. This method is becoming increasingly popular among indoor plant enthusiasts because it allows for precise control over the nutrients the plant receives and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Be sure to fertilize with diluted water soluble solutions and change the water out, at least once a week to prevent rotting and bacterial growth that causes the water to become less oxygenated.
Things you can use are a simple vase or a mason jar. We have used recycled glass jars of all types, shapes and sizes over the years with fantastic results.
Containers:
Dieffenbachia 'Camille' should be repotted once a year to prevent stunted growth or becoming root-bound.They should be in a container that is 1-2 inches wider than the previous one. This allows for proper growth and prevents the plant from becoming root bound. Container size should be based on the overall size of the rootball in the container.
Signs on When to Repot:
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The plant is root-bound: If the roots are starting to grow out of the drainage holes or appear crowded in the pot, it's time to repot.
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Slow growth: If the plant's growth has slowed down significantly, it may be an indication that it has outgrown its current container.
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Soil dries out too quickly: If you find yourself watering the plant more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that the roots have taken up most of the space in the pot and need more room to grow.
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The soil is compacted: Over time, the soil in the pot can become compacted, making it difficult for water to penetrate and reach the roots. Repotting can help to refresh the soil and improve drainage.
Humidity:
Dieffenbachia 'Camille' can thrive in low indoor humidity levels in drier climates. Although it benefits from moderately high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier. Misting the leaves with water can also help maintain proper humidity levels. Avoid placing the plant in areas with dry air, such as near heating or air conditioning vents.
Temperature:
Dieffenbachia 'Camille' prefers temperatures above 60°F (16°C), but it can tolerate brief periods of temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). Avoid exposing the plant to cold temperatures for extended periods, as this can cause damage to the leaves and slow down growth.
General Maintenance:
Making sure to keep up with waterings, misting and an occasional fertilizer while keep these happy and healthy. Always remove yellowing, browning leaves and remove those from the soil if any fell down. This will keep pests away. If possible, inspect your plants leaves 1x a week looking for any signs of pests or health issues, and then doing a neem Oil leaf shine to remove any dust or pests. This will keep the plants leaves looking nice and shinny. Overall these are a great option for the first time plant parent or someone living in an apartment!
Common Pests:
The most prevalent pest people find on their Dieffenbachia would be Spider Mites and Fungus Gnats. Thrips also seem to fancy this variety, so make sure to catch them early and treat accordingly using horticulture spray or weekly neem oil leaf shinning.
Make sure to inspect your plants regularly for any signs of stress, disease or pests to maintain a healthy and happy plant!