Dieffenbachia Green Magic in pot

Credit: Saska Barjaktarov Jovic

Dieffenbachia oerstedii in the ground

Credit: Krysztof Ziarnek

Dieffenbachia Green Magic flower

Credit: Simon A. Eugster

Dieffenbachia fruit

Credit: Neptali Ramirez Marcial

Dieffenbachia oerstedii, magical foliage

You don't have to be a fan of black magic and voodoo to adopt a Dieffenbachia Green Magic (Dieffenbachia oerstedii). This plant of the Araceae family comes to us from South America. In our temperate climates, it is appreciated for its decorative foliage.

How to recognize Dieffenbachia oerstedii or Dieffenbachia 'Green Magic'?

Dieffenbachia oersterdii grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It is an herbaceous plant with a bushy habit and thick stem.

The leaf blades are the same size as those of Dieffenbachia seguine 'Camilla'. They can reach 45 cm long and 30 cm wide. Fleshy and lanceolate, they have tapering apices. The dark-green leaves are crossed by a cream or pale-yellow midrib.

The plant is cultivated for its evergreen, graphic foliage. But it sometimes flowers. The inflorescence is similar to that of dieffenbachia seguine: a green spathe surrounding a yellow or white spadix.

The flower, stems and leaves are toxic to touch and ingest. Keep your Dieffenbachia oerstedii away from small children and pets. Remember to wash your hands or wear gloves when pruning.

Our maintenance tips

You don't need a green thumb to enjoy the magnificent foliage of Dieffenbachia oerstedii. Regular watering, a draught-free location and a well-drained substrate are all that's needed for growth.

Watering

Dieffenbachia Green Magic require regular watering. But it must be moderate, otherwise the roots will rot. The substrate must remain moist but never soggy.

Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.

Spray

Your Dieffenbachia 'Green Magic is a tropical plant. It appreciates humidity. Spray its foliage with water at room temperature.

Avoid calcareous water, which leaves white marks on the leaves. Prefer rainwater or filtered water.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Dieffenbachia oerstedii to give it more space.

Choose a container large enough to allow roots to develop.

To promote drainage, make sure the bottom of the pot is perforated. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel, followed by potting soil for green plants. You can even mix in some perlite.

Place your Dieffenbachia 'Green Magic in this new pot and water.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Dieffenbachia oerstedii, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

To encourage the growth of your Dieffenbachia oerstedii, add a little special houseplant fertilizer to the watering solution.

Cleaning

When dust accumulates on the leaves, the plant slows down its photosynthesis process and its growth. To keep your Dieffenbachia oerstedii healthy, clean its foliage with a damp, clean cloth.

Dieffenbachia Green Magic are toxic plants. Wash your hands after touching your plant, or wear gloves when handling it.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take a stem about ten centimeters long, with at least one leaf and one node. Use a clean, sharp tool, such as scissors or pruning shears, to cut below the node.

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

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Dieffenbachia - Dieffenbachia
Species	Dieffenbachia oerstedii - Dieffenbachia oerstedii
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origins	Central America South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower colors