Dumb Cane — Houseplants
Dieffenbachia seguine
Full sun, moderate watering — needs a warm room indoors.
- Plant out
- May
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Hardiness
- H1a
- Season
- all year
- Height
- 250–400 cm
- Spacing
- 100 cm
- Pets
- Toxic to pets
Growing notes
Grows to 2.5-4 metres. Space about 50-100cm apart.
Toxic to pets
Dumb cane can be dangerous: it is toxic to people if eaten: chewing any part releases needle-like crystals that burn the mouth and throat and can cause swelling, and the sap irritates skin and eyes, so wear gloves and keep it away from children. Dogs and cats that chew it get the same burning mouth, drooling, sickness and difficulty swallowing. If a person chews or eats any, rinse the mouth and get medical advice (call the emergency number if the throat swells); if a pet does, ring your vet.
→ NHS 111 for a person (999 in an emergency); your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for an animal