Dieffenbachia Propagation: 3 Effective Methods That Really Work

Claudia Guthrie
·4 min read

Also known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia is a tropical perennial that can reach three to five feet in height when kept as a houseplant. There are many different species of dieffenbachia, and every type can be grown from seeds. But to make this fast-growing plant sprout up quicker (and with less effort on your part, as growing dieffenbachia from seed can be tricky), try dieffenbachia propagation using a plant you already have.

Instead of growing a plant from a seed or a bulb, dieffenbachia propagation uses a growing, thriving plant to create a totally new plant. Here are three simple ways to propagate a dieffenbachia. Choose the method that’s best for you and turn your home into a tropical oasis in just a few weeks.

Method 1: Divide the Roots

Dieffenbachia needs to be repotted every spring, which is the perfect opportunity for propagating through root division. Any dieffenbachia that has offshoots (a sprout that branches off the main plant) can be propagated through this method.

Propagating dieffenbachia through root division is simple. Follow these steps:

  1. Locate offshoots that have developed their own root systems.

  2. Use sterile pruning shears to divide offshoots, leaving the roots intact.

  3. Plant each offset in its own pot of fast-draining potting mix.

  4. Water once a week, or when the first inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Method 2: Plant Tip Cuttings

This method of Dieffenbachia propagation can be used in mature, leggy dieffenbachias. Along with helping you grow a new dieffenbachia plant, it lets you fix your leggy plant so it can grow new leaves.

  1. Cut off the leggy tops of the plant and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.

  2. Plant the cut tip in a pot of fast-draining soil.

  3. Keep the soil damp by watering regularly.

  4. In a handful of weeks, fresh leaves and roots will begin to grow from the stump.

Method 3: Use Stem Cuttings

You can also propagate by using stem cuttings.

  1. Using sterile pruning shears, cut a piece of the stem.

  2. Remove leaves and place the cutting in a warm, dry spot to dry.

  3. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone.

  4. Place the cutting horizontally in moist potting soil. Here, the cutting will begin growing roots and leaves.

  5. Plant the rooted cutting into a pot of fast-draining potting mix.

  6. Water regularly, keeping the soil damp.

This method of dieffenbachia propagation can also be done using water in place of soil. This often yields results faster. The process is relatively the same:

  1. Instead of placing the cuttings in moist soil, put them in a bowl of water, or in one of these propagation kits.

  2. Keep the growing cuttings in a warm, sunny spot.

  3. Once the roots and leaves begin to grow, plant them in a pot of fast-draining potting pix.

  4. Water regularly, keeping the soil damp.

Tips for Dieffenbachia Propagation

  • Sterilizing your pruning shears is important to prevent disease from developing in your plant or cutting. To sterilize your tool, create a mixture of one part bleach and nine parts water. Dip the blades into the mixture and let them dry completely before using.

  • Always wear protective gloves when propagating dieffenbachia plants and wash your hands afterward to remove any lingering sap. The dieffenbachia’s sap can irritate the skin and be dangerous if accidentally ingested. This is especially important if you’re propagating through tip or stem cuttings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a leggy dieffenbachia?

It’s normal for older dieffenbachia to become leggy over time. When this happens, cut the plant down to your desired height. The existing dieffenbachia will sprout new leaves from where it was cut, and you can use the cutting to propagate a new dieffenbachia plant.

How do you divide dieffenbachia?

To divide dieffenbachia, remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. Locate any offshoots that have established root systems and cut them from the main plant using sterile pruning shears. Take care to leave the roots of the offshoot intact.

How do you replant a broken dieffenbachia?

If any part of your dieffenbachia plant breaks off, simply replant it in a pot of fast-draining soil. With appropriate watering, the piece will begin growing roots and leaves, establishing a new plant.

Read Next: The Best Easy Houseplants to Grow in Any Home

Read the original article on The Spruce.