Question
I purchased a Dieffenbachia Plant last night 4/7/2012, on clearance because I live in Maine and the plant was subjected to the cold. A couple of the leaves are torn and it looks like it is wilted all the time. I have transplanted it to a new pot, but not sure what to do with the damaged leaves. I was wondering if there was anyway you could help me with this small problem.
All in all it is a healthy plant, not stem rot or critters on the leaves. Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Sara

Answer
Sara,

It will not repair the torn leaves I would cut off all the damage but try to leave any leaves that are still okay even if you are only leaving some small leaves at the base of the plant. The plant has a full root system unless it was damaged when you repotted it. It would have been better to leave it in it's original pot until it recuperated. It should not be in a pot with a diameter any more than 2 inches larger than the original pot or it will be impossible for it to dry out. It must dry out well between each watering. It is not a swamp plant and cannot stand to sit with a drain tray full of water. It also cannot be in a pot without drain holes and a drain tray under it. It has suffered 2 shocks, the cold and being repotted. Keep it in a very bright but not sunny location. Keep it out of drafts. Be careful not to overwater it and it should recuperate. Good luck!

Darlene