By: Bernard Lohner
Submitted: 2010-07-06 11:40:44 | Word Count: 519
Dieffenbachia (pronounced /difnbæki/)[1] is really a genus of tropical plants within the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. Members of this genus are well-liked as houseplants because of their tolerance for shade. The name commemorates Ernst Dieffenbach, a German physician.
Dieffenbachia plants can develop outdoors in tropical climates, but specimens kept as houseplants should be kept indoors while in the majority of the year outdoors the tropics. Temperatures below about 5C (40F) can kill the plant. The plant requirements light but filtered sunlight by means of a window is generally enough. When the plant is brought property through the nursery, it will likely need repotting. The plant requires moderately moist soil. The soil must be fertilized with either typical liquid fertilizing or fertilizer pellets or spikes. Leaves will periodically roll up and fall off to generate way for new leaves. Yellowing from the leaves is usually a sign of problematic conditions, including a nutrient deficiency from the soil. Dieffenbachia responds nicely to hot temperatures and dry climates.
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Favorable conditions for house plants: Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia amoena (dumbcane) is a monocot which is typically cultivated to be a houseplant, for its decorative leaves. It is usually a extremely well-known and hardy shade-loving plant. Its leaves are huge, oblong, and cream or light yellow with deep green spots and stripes in bands along the veins and border. Like any other Dieffenbachia its sap is poisonous.
Dieffenbachia amoena can be propagated by tip and nodal cuttings. It can attain a height of 6 feet in favourable issue. It likes high humidity plus a draft-free atmosphere. It should not be placed in front of an air-conditioner unit or fan. Following watering its leaf becomes straight and brittle. So if transportation is expected, end watering for any few days, to prevent the leaves from breaking.
Dieffenbachia seguine is often a species of Dieffenbachia frequently kept as an ornamental plant. This plant is native to the Americas from Mexico to Brazil and many Caribbean islands. Like all other Dieffenbachia its sap is toxic.
The cells of the Dieffenbachia plant include needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals termed raphides. If a leaf is chewed, these crystals may cause a temporary burning sensation and erythema. In uncommon situations, edema of tissues exposed to the plant happen to be reported. Mastication and ingestion typically outcome in only mild signs or symptoms. With each kids and pets, get in touch with with dieffenbachia (normally from chewing) can cause a host of unpleasant indicators, which include oral irritation, excessive drooling, and localized swelling. Nonetheless, these outcomes are rarely life-threatening. In most instances, signs or symptoms are moderate, and may be effectively treated with analgesic agents, antihistamines, or healthcare charcoal. Gastric evacuation or lavage is "seldom" indicated Jennifer S. Boyle, MD, PharmD, and Christopher P Holstege, MD, note that, "In a significant retrospective study of 188 patients with plant oxalate exposure, all circumstances have been determined to be minor and all resolved with minor or no treatment."
