Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Dumb cane: when and how to prune
Dieffenbachia seguine
Dumb cane is best pruned in March–April.
| Pruning months | March–April |
|---|---|
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Dumb cane: when to prune it?
In March–April, when the plant gets too tall or bare at the base. Otherwise no pruning is needed.
Dumb cane: how to prune it?
- Cut the stem with a clean, sharp knife to 10–15 cm above the compost; new shoots grow from the stump.
- Use the cut top and the pieces of stem as cuttings.
- Cut yellow or damaged leaves off at the base of the leaf stalk.
- Wash your hands and the knife thoroughly after pruning.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–April.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: Always wear gloves and do not touch your eyes: the sap strongly irritates skin, eyes and mouth. Dumb cane is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.