Dieffenbachia care: watering and why it turns yellow

Author: florist Míša, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026

Dieffenbachia (also called dumb cane) is the “queen of ornamental leaves”. Large oval leaves with yellow-white markings brighten every corner, and the plant grows fast, so it works as a statement plant in a living room or office. It comes from rainforests, so it loves warmth and humidity. You will also find it in our overview of plants for the bedroom.

In this article you will learn where to put a dieffenbachia, how to water it, why it turns yellow or loses its pattern, and how to handle it safely, because it is toxic.

Position: light and temperature

It needs bright, diffused light. In direct sun the leaves turn yellow, and in shade they lose their pattern. The ideal temperature is 18–25 °C and it must never drop below 15 °C. It is extremely sensitive to cold and draughts.

Tip from Monika: Dieffenbachia is gorgeous, but it has its “sharp” side. Its sap is toxic and irritates skin. My tip: If you have small children or cats at home who like to nibble on plants, choose a spider plant instead. If not, Dieffenbachia will reward you with lush growth. Just protect it from drafts – it can’t stand them!

Choose your dieffenbachia online:

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Difenbachia, Mramornatka in flowers

499 Kč

Watering

Keep the substrate slightly moist but do not overwater. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems. In winter water less and do not let water stand in the saucer under the pot.

Feeding, repotting and propagation

From spring to summer feed it with a weak solution of fertiliser for green houseplants, and skip feeding in winter. Repot in spring into a slightly larger pot. Wear gloves when repotting and cutting, because the sap irritates the skin. Dieffenbachia can be propagated by stem cuttings.

Why dieffenbachia turns yellow or loses its pattern

Yellowing leaves: direct sun, or overwatering.
Loss of pattern: not enough light. Move it closer to the window, but out of direct sun.
Brown tips: dry air or irregular watering.
Drooping leaves: cold or a draught; check that the temperature has not dropped below 15 °C.

Is dieffenbachia toxic?

Yes. The sap is toxic and irritates the skin, and if chewed it can irritate the mouth. Keep it out of reach of children and animals and wear gloves when handling it. For homes with pets, choose from our houseplants safe for cats and dogs, for example a spider plant (see trailing plants).

How we send dieffenbachia

It is extremely sensitive to cold, so we never send it by regular mail. Our Airway courier brings it in a heated vehicle and a thermal box right to your door, so it is not exposed to temperature shock. We deliver it including a ceramic cover (the design may vary), about 40 cm tall, and we are happy to add it as a gift with wine or a message.

Frequently asked questions about dieffenbachia

Is dieffenbachia toxic to cats?

Yes, the sap is toxic and irritates the skin and mouth. It is not suitable for homes where animals chew plants.

Where should I put a dieffenbachia?

In a bright spot with diffused light, out of direct sun and without draughts.

How often should I water dieffenbachia?

Keep the substrate slightly moist and do not overwater; water less in winter.

Why is dieffenbachia losing its pattern?

It is not getting enough light. In shade the pattern fades, so move it to a brighter spot without direct sun.

How much does dieffenbachia cost and how do you deliver it?

Dieffenbachia in a pot costs CZK 499. In Prague we deliver express within 120 minutes in a heated vehicle, and delivery is free for orders over CZK 1,299.