I have read through several articles but don't find my "issue". I have a plant that is probably 20 years old. It is only one stalk and it is very stemy but also has 9-11 leaves on it. The bottom leaves will generally brown and I cut/tear them off. The problem is, it grows UP but not OUT. I have re-potted it several times but am running out of ideas on how to control it. (And it's very difficult to find a pot to put it into without showing so much of the stem.) Help!?
This is often a sign that the plant needs more light. Plants will stretch in response to this. This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
Friends, I am so sick. A leaf from my beloved dieffenbachia has been snapped off. Can this leaf be propagated? If so, how? It’s a beautiful leaf and I’d like to save it if I can. Thank you!
Propagation of the leaf stem is unlikely. It has to have some of the stem tissue where it was attached to the main stem to propagate. But don't worry, this is a fast growing plant. It will need to have its main stem pruned back regularly. The top cuttings from pruning will root easily in water or damp soil or in the base of the plant.
Large leaves long spindly stems? What rot do?
Long spindling stems would indicate that there is a lack of light to the plant. Rot would show, usually, as brown leaf tips, or black, brown, or yellow spots.
We have an office plant near a window with not direct light. The canes have gotten quite tall and are flopping over - are we doing something wrong? We tried to steak the canes and hold them together but its not working well.
This is common with too little light. You can try giving it just a small bit of direct light in the morning, or get a horticultural grade light to supplement. 100 watts will be plenty for the plant. They don't need much more than that.
This article will give you more information about their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
My husband gave me a lovely Dumbcane plant 31 years ago when we got married. It grew to unbelievable proportions! When we retired and moved to South Carolina 2 years ago, it began struggling so he bought a new pot & NEW SOIL at Home Depot. It's pretty much DOA... ? After 30+ years, my beautiful plant is gone! PLEASE! HELP??
I think, initially, there was some nutrient deficiencies some shock due to the move, and that once the soil was changed it may have stayed a little too moist for too long. It seems to have a fungal infection at this point.
I would add dolomitic lime and wettable sulfur to the soil. This can help keep the pH leveled out, as well as keeping fungal infections at bay, respectively.
It seems that you have done well with the plant, since it has been around for so long. I just think that it was stressed very suddenly by many factors.
Follow my recommendations, and you can see a recovery as long as the infection has not progressed too far. It will not be fast, and the old growth will not recover, but the new growth should come out looking more normal.
leaves not growing at top and more leaves at bottom brewing
Improper light and moisture are the most common reasons for issues with a Dieffenbachia.
Review the conditions needed in the article below.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dumb-cane/growing-dumbcane-dieffenbachia.htm
I have a diffenbacia plant that is about 3-4 years old. some of the stems are growing out in all directions. Is this normal? How would you suggest cutting them back.
Yes, it's normal for dieffenbachias to become large and unruly eventually, but you can prune them back. When pruning, you can remove up to 1/3 of the plant's total size at any one time. You can entirely remove individual stems, or you can cut a stem back part way to encourage more bushy growth close to the center of the plant.
https://garden.org/nga/searchqa/answer/78115/