Dieffenbachia, which is sometimes called “dumb cane,” is a popular houseplant loved for its brightly colored leaves with patterns on them. If you take good care of your dieffenbachias, they can get pretty big. To keep them looking their best, you may need to prune them every so often. Pruning helps plants keep their bushy, compact growth shape and promotes new growth and blooming. Follow these simple tips to properly prune your dieffenbachia plant.
When to Prune Dieffenbachia
The best time to prune dieffenbachia is during the active growing season in spring and summer. Pruning in fall or winter may stunt growth However, you can prune dieffenbachia any time if the plant becomes too large for its space or to remove dead or damaged growth
Dieffenbachias grow quickly, so you might need to prune yours every month or two during their busiest times to keep their size and shape in check. Slow growing plants only need pruning every few months. To avoid shock, don’t take off more than a third of the plant at a time.
Gather Needed Pruning Tools
Before pruning, gather these supplies:
- Sharp, clean hand pruners or gardening shears
- Trash bag or compost bin
- Clean pot or jar (if propagating)
- Potting mix (if propagating)
- Gloves
Before you prune, make sure your tools are clean and sharp so you can make clean cuts that won’t hurt the plant. When you prune dieffenbachia, wear gloves because the sap can hurt your skin.
How to Prune Dieffenbachia Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for pruning your dieffenbachia:
1. Remove Dead or Damaged Growth
Carefully inspect your dieffenbachia and use pruners or gardening shears to cut off any dead, dying, or damaged leaves and stems. Trim each leaf or stem back to the base. Removing dead growth improves appearance and prevents disease.
2. Cut Back Overly Long Stems
Identify any long, leggy stems that detract from the appearance of your dieffenbachia. Cut each one back to just above a leaf node, where a leaf meets the stem. New growth will emerge from below your cut.
3. Shorten Extra-Long Leaves
Dieffenbachia leaves can become quite long. For a fuller, bushier look, cut extra-long leaves in half, following the natural shape of the leaf. Avoid cutting into the central vein.
4. Thin Overcrowded Stems
Remove some stems at the base of your dieffenbachia to make it look less crowded. Prioritize keeping stems that have attractive leaf patterns or color. Space remaining stems a few inches apart.
5. Shape and Contain Growth
Once dead, damaged, and overgrown areas are pruned, shape your dieffenbachia by trimming stems around the plant’s perimeter. This helps contain its spread in the pot.
Pruning Tips for Leggy Dieffenbachias
If your dieffenbachia is already spindly and leggy with few leaves, don’t worry! With proper pruning, you can encourage bushier regrowth.
- Cut each stem back to leave only 2-4 inches remaining
- Remove all but the top couple leaves on shortened stems
- Move the plant to a spot with more light to prevent future legginess
- Water and fertilize to encourage fresh growth from pruned stems
How to Propagate Dieffenbachia Cuttings
Those dieffenbachia cuttings removed during pruning don’t have to go to waste! You can root them to generate new plants.
In Water
- Trim cuttings to 4-6 inches long, keeping 2-3 leaves
- Remove lower leaves and place cutting in a vase/jar of water
- Change water weekly until roots form in 3-6 weeks
- Plant in potting mix once rooted
In Soil
- Trim and prepare cuttings as above
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder
- Plant cutting 2-3 inches deep in potting mix
- Maintain consistent moisture until new growth emerges
Caring for Your Pruned Dieffenbachia
After pruning your dieffenbachia, provide a little extra care to encourage new growth:
- Move to a bright spot (but avoid direct sun)
- Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry
- Resume regular fertilizing a month after pruning
- Monitor for new growth emerging from pruned areas
- Repot in a larger container if the plant outgrows its current pot
When to Hold Off on Pruning Dieffenbachia
Avoid pruning dieffenbachias in these situations:
- If the plant is stressed, such as from recent repotting or transplant shock
- When preparing to move the plant or propagate cuttings
- Just after the plant has bloomed
- During fall and winter dormancy
Key Takeaways on Pruning Dieffenbachia
- Prune in spring and summer to shape plant and remove dead/damaged growth
- Cut back leggy stems and long leaves; thin congested growth
- Limit pruning to 1/3 of foliage at one time
- Propagate cuttings in water or potting mix
- Increase light and care after pruning for best regrowth
With the proper pruning techniques, your dieffenbachia will remain a lovely, bushy accent in your indoor garden for years to come. Don’t be afraid to give those unruly stems and leaves a trim! Just be sure to wear gloves and make clean cuts at leaf nodes or across leaves.
Step 2: Pruning the Plant
Once you’ve identified the new growth on the top of the plant, put your gloves on to protect yourself from the plant’s sap which is known to cause a burning sensation in the throat if ingested.
Using a sharp medium, cut off the stem right below the new growth area. Ensure the stem has both lower leaves and a sturdy cane. Pruning will not only give you a new plant but also encourage denser growth in your mother plant.
Step 3: Conditioning the Cut End
After cutting the stem, allow it to dry for some time. This is followed by a dip into a rooting hormone.
The hormones facilitate faster growth of roots. Make sure the hormone covers the cut end well. This will help new roots grow as quickly as possible.
Grow HUGE + Healthy Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia Care Tips, Propagation + Common Problems SOLVED
FAQ
How to cut back a Dieffenbachia plant?
Dieffenbachia, which is also called “dumb cane,” can be trimmed back by either cutting off the top of the plant or cutting back individual stems. For a bushier plant, cut stems back to a leaf node, promoting new growth below the cut. You can also remove individual yellowing or dead leaves at the base of the stem.
How do you fix a leggy Dieffenbachia?
Leggy dieffenbachias and dracaenas are a common sight in many indoor gardens. Successfully improve the appearance of these and other thick stemmed plants by air layering them back into beautiful specimens. Simply cut halfway into the stem just below the lowest leaf.
How do you make a Dieffenbachia bushy?
If you want a bushier plant, just cut the canes back to the height you want. New growth will grow below the cut. Cutting the canes at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node is best. Don’t cut off more than a third of the plant’s leaves.
Should I cut off brown Dieffenbachia leaves?