How to plant a large diffenbacia plant. How to care for it after transplanting?
I would make sure to replant in soil with plenty of organic matter. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
I have three different plants (Dieffenbachia, snake plant, ZZ plant) that are "flopping" and "spreading" so much that I've had to stake them. They seem healthy other than that. I now realize I've been overwatering them for years. what should I do to get them to "stand on their own" again?
You are very correct! This is a typical case of being over-watered. Now what you will have to do is let them dry out very well. Make sure to give them plenty of light from a window, and I would also recommend using wettable sulfur, or garlic oil in the soil, in case any root infections are setting in. Make sure to let the top layer of soil dry out between watering.
my mom has one and it leaking a substance and I have no clue why it's doing that is it normal for it
This plant has an interesting property... It has the ability to self regulate water! This is the plant's defense for overwatering. to stop the dripping, make sure that the soil stays slightly moist, but not saturated, and not dry. This will stop most of the dripping. Here is an article on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
I’ll attach a photo below but my plants used to be beautiful and healthy, but the leaves went yellow and brown and all fell off and now it’s going brown from the top down. What’s going on?? I want to save this plant so badly!
There are a great number of things that could have went wrong here. These plants can be quite picky, although with some proper care and a great deal of time and effort they can adapt to many conditions.
This article will help you to figure out what went wrong: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
I have an otherwise sprawling plant, but is does have that same white splotchy, spidery substance all over the stalks and stems. Very little on top or bottom of leaves. No red mites that I can detect anywhere. Is this the same malady you reference in your article, and will the treatment you suggest rid the plant of these issues? How often is that treatment required?
If this white splotch is a web then this could be Spider mites. If it is just white powdery spots then it will be powdery mildew. The treatment will work for both, though. You can apply every few days, or as needed for tougher infections.
Considering leaving for a month-long southern destination this winter. We have a large (about 4 1/2 feet from top of pot), very healthy dieffenbachia plant. Is there anything we can do to ensure watering while the plant is left alone for this extended time?
There are watering globes that stick into the pot, and release water slowly. These can be great for people that travel frequently, or even just an occasional trip. I believe this to be something to consider here.
This link will give you more information: http://www.goldensunlandscapingsvc.com/blog/how-to-use-watering-globes-for-plants/
My plant is on a stand about 2 feet from a heat register, and I plan on turning the heat down to about 60 degrees will that be too cold?
60 should be okay as a minimum, not below.
https://www.thespruce.com/dumb-cane-dieffenbachia-definition-1902751