Dieffenbachia 'Camilla', a very variegated mute cane
Unlike its ancestor, dieffenbachia seguine, Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' has never known the forests of South America. This plant of the Araceae family is a cultivar, a man-made variety. What makes it special? Evergreen foliage variegated with cream.
How to recognize Dieffenbachia 'Camilla'?
Dieffenbachia Camilla is an herbaceous plant with an upright, bushy habit. It reaches a height of 1.5 meters and a spread of 80 centimeters.
It is neither a tree nor a shrub. The thick stem contains no lignin and is not covered in bark. When the oldest leaves fall, they leave marks on the stipe.
Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' can be recognized by its variegated foliage. The fleshy, oval blades measure up to 45 centimetres long and 30 centimetres wide. The margins and midribs are dark green, with cream or pale yellow centers.
This variety rarely flowers indoors. But flowers may appear in spring. They take the form of a green spathe and a white or yellow spadix.
Like dieffenbachia Green Magic, Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' is renowned for its depolluting properties. It is also known for its toxicity. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it causes stomach ache, neurological disorders and irritation of the mucous membranes. It can even cause temporary paralysis of the vocal cords. Be careful if you live with young children or pets, and remember to wear gloves when trimming your specimen!
Our maintenance tips
You don't need a green thumb to enjoy the magnificent foliage of Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camilla'. Regular watering, a draught-free location and a well-drained substrate are all that's needed for growth.
Watering
Water only when the substrate has dried on the surface (one or two centimeters).
Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or mineral water, at room temperature. Pour it over the soil, avoiding the foliage.
To prevent root rot, remove any water that collects in the dish or planter.
Spray
Dry air favors the appearance of mites and other pests. Mist the foliage of your Dieffenbachia 'Camilla to prevent invasions and improve hygrometry.
Use non-calcareous water, such as reclaimed rainwater. Tap water is often too hard and leaves marks on the leaves.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camilla' to give it more space.
Change is often difficult for plants dieffenbachia 'Camilla. Re-pot your plant when it has colonized its entire container or when its roots are escaping from the drainage holes.
Get a pot with holes larger than the root ball. If you tend to have a heavy hand when it comes to watering, choose a terracotta model. This material promotes even drying of the substrate.
Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel to promote drainage. Then add a layer of potting soil for green plants. Place your subject in the center of the pot and fill in with substrate.
Water for the first time immediately after repotting to encourage rooting and remove air bubbles.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camilla', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Supplement watering with a houseplant fertilizer to promote the development of your Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camilla'.
If you have just repotted, wait six to eight weeks before starting to fertilize.
Cleaning
Dust on leaves interferes with photosynthesis. To make sure your Dieffenbachia 'Camilla gets all the available light, clean its foliage with a clean, damp cloth.
Caution! All parts of the plant are toxic. Wear gloves and wash your hands after touching the foliage.
Caution! All parts of the plant are toxic. Wear gloves and wash your hands after touching the foliage.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Using a clean, sharp tool, remove a stem about ten centimetres long.
Prepare a bucket filled with peat and sand. Plant your cutting in it.
Cover the pot and plant with a transparent plastic bag or cloche. Place in a room with a temperature of at least 20°. Avoid too bright a spot, preferring part shade.
Aerate daily for a minute or two, and mist if the soil dries out.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Araceae - Araceae |
Type | Dieffenbachia - Dieffenbachia |
Species | Mute cane - Dieffenbachia seguine |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposures | |
Substrat | |
Planting method |
In pots |
Categories | |
Tags |
Beginner Fritillary Toxic |
Origin |
South America |
Hardiness (USDA) | 11a |
Leaf color |
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Flower colors |
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