Tropic Snow Dumb Cane Plant

Tropic Snow Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia amoena 'Tropic Snow') is one of the largest and most beautiful of the dieffenbachia plants.

The stalks  of the tropic snow plant resemble canes with large, oblong green leaves that are variegated with white or cream. This robust plant is native to Brazil and can grow up to 6 feet or more. Place it in a large container and  make a bold, decorative impact.

This popular ornamental houseplant contains a sap that contains calcium oxalate crystals.

If plant is eaten or chewed, can cause an intense burning and inflammation of the mouth, throat, and tongue.

When this happens, the throat swells and closes the vocal cords, resulting in temporary speech loss. This is how the dieffenbachia plant got the common name "dumb cane."

This plant not only makes a wonderful decorative accent, but it is a natural air cleaner. It helps to keep the air inside your house cleaner, removing pollutants from the air.

How to Decorate with Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow' is an excellent choice for decorating a room. It has large, deep green and white variegated leaves that can give any room a tropical feel. Additionally, it is easy to care for and can even be grown in water, making it a low-maintenance choice.

The plant can be placed in a bright corner of the room to make the most of its eye-catching variegation, or can be placed in a more shaded area to create a more subdued look.

Adding a few pots of Tropic Snow around the room can create a lush, tropical feel, perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. To add some extra style, consider adding a few flowering plants to the same area for a pop of color.

How to Purchase a Snowcane Plant

When purchasing a Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow plant [1], you should look for a healthy, vibrant plant with lush green foliage and no signs of wilting or damage.

The soil should be moist, but not soggy. You should also check for any signs of pests or diseases, such as yellowing leaves, mold, or wilting.

Additionally, make sure the plant is not root-bound and that the soil is the correct type for the plant. Finally, make sure the pot is of the correct size for the plant and that it has adequate drainage.

When transporting plants, it is important to protect them from the elements. To do this, you can wrap the plants in old bed sheets or tissue paper to prevent branches from breaking [1], place them in boxes that fit snugly, and secure them in the back seat of your car or in a moving truck. Additionally, you can use a shower curtain or tarp to protect your car from dirt and debris. Finally, it is a good idea to water the soil just before sundown to protect the plants from the heat of the day.

How to Choose a Container

The best containers for dumbcane plants are ones that are moderately sized and heavy enough to support the plant if it grows bigger. Clay or ceramic pots are ideal, as they provide good drainage for the plant. Avoid plastic containers if possible, as they can retain moisture and cause root rot. When repotting, make sure to use a quality potting mix that is well.

Tropic Snow Dumb Cane Care

Light: Bright but filtered or diffused sunlight is sufficient to ensure healthy growth of this plant (near bright east or south window).

Water:  Water regularly and thoroughly because infrequent watering can cause the leaves of your dieffenbachia to become brown and unattractive.  In addition, too frequent watering will lead to excessively moist soil and cause fungal spores to develop and multiply. The fungus starts to spread throughout the plant causing the roots to rot, and the plant dies because it is then unable to absorb the nutrients it needs.

Water, then allow the soil to drain and empty excess water. This is necessary to prevent root rot.

A well-draining potting mixture should be used. Let the soil dry out to about an inch down before you water again. Drooping yellow leaves may be a sign of overwatering.  Moreover, consistently overwatering will also cause guttation which is a process that makes excess water drip from the leaves.

Temperature:  The ideal temperature range for growing a Tropic Snow Dumb Cane is 70 to 80 degree.

Fahrenheit during the day, and 60 to 65 degree at night. Plant can tolerate 50 degrees Fahrenheit without damage but avoid cold drafts. If plants becomes too cold, the leaves will turn yellow and droop.

Fertilizer:  Fertilize with a multipurpose fertilizer at every other watering when the plant is actively growing.  Plant goes dormant in the winter. Do not feed at all.
 
Humidity: This plant likes humidity. You can provide this with a room humidifier, humidity tray, or by misting.

Propagate:  You can propagate by tip cuttings of 12 inches or by stem segments. Cut the stem into 3 inch segments and lay them on their side, placing them halfway in the soil, and new plants will grow from the stem.

Repot: If dumb cane houseplant grows too tall, repot in a larger container and use a well-aerated potting mix.

Pest:  Plant can be attacked by spider mites and mealybugs. Check for mealybugs at leaf nodes and axils and for spider mites on the undersides of leaves.

A magnifying glass will enable you to see the mites. Spider mites will show stippling of the leaves and webbing. Mealybugs will cause a cottony white substance to form in the leaf nodes and axils. If your plant has these symptoms, spray with appropriate pesticide.

Tropic Snow Dumb Cane is a very attractive, elegant houseplant; however, it is toxic and must not be eaten or chewed on.

Please keep out of reach of children and pets. Avoid contact with the eyes, and always wash skin thoroughly after any kind of Tropic Snow Plant care.  This is necessary to prevent skin irritation if it comes in contact with the sap from the plant.  If someone has swallowed Dumb Cane leaves or any other part, call 911 instantly.

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