Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
Dieffenbachia (Araceae)
Also called Charming Dieffenbachia, Giant Dumb Cane, Tropic Snow, Dumbcane, Exotica, Spotted Dumb Cane, Exotica Perfection.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme.
Signs to watch for: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth , tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Source: ASPCA entry "Dieffenbachia", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Dieffenbachia grows best in bright, indirect or diffused light and should be kept out of direct sun. It tolerates lower light and even full shade, but growth slows.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Water thoroughly, then let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
The plant leans toward its light source, so turn it occasionally for even growth.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
- Baby's tears (Soleirolia) bright indirect light
- Grape ivy bright indirect light
- Lady palm bright indirect light
- Money tree bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Dieffenbachia"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Dieffenbachia seguine (Dumbcane)"
- Light and care: UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions, "Dieffenbachia"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Dieffenbachia | Houseplants"