Question
My husband & I are not plant people by any means however we wanted a plant that is good for purifying the air & obviously providing more oxygen for us in our apartment. We bought ours from Meijer, our local grocery store. This has become MY new "project" of course. :\
I made sure the soil was dry by sticking my finger down in it (like my mom has told me) & I watered it until it leaked from the bottom.
I did notice right away that a few leaves were missing little chunks almost like something ate it off or it got burned off. After researching a little, I don't think its mealy bugs or spider mites & I pruned those leaves. I also noticed the leaves appearing to "sweat" which I guess is called guttation but not sure if that means I watered it too much or what. Please help. Thank you. :)

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

Just so you understand, virtually all plants help purify the air and add oxygen while using the carbon dioxide we exhale.

Your Mom's watering technique is a good one. In general, the top quarter of the soil should feel dry to the touch before watering thoroughly. Make sure you have a saucer to catch any excess water that runs through.

You didn't mention repotting, so I assume you left it in its existing pot. It is never a good idea to repot a new plant and rarely helps established plants either. If you don't like the appearance of the pot it is in, then set that pot inside a more attractive planter. Double-potting is always better than repotting.

There are no indoor plant pests that chew on plant leaves. The missing "chunks" were probably caused by some mishandling. Trim off damaged leaves or reshape the leaf with scissors so that the leaf does not look chewed.

Guttation is a perfectly normal phenomenon. Although it is a plant's way to release water pressure, it does not mean you have over watered. I have never seen guttation on an unhealthy plant, so you have nothing to worry about.

Provide lots of bright, but indirect light for your Dieffenbachia. Right in front of a north or east window is best. Never more than 5 or 6 feet from the nearest uncovered window. Dieffenbachias do require pruning as they grow ever taller and tend to become top heavy if they are not pruned. Fertilize sparingly or not at all.

I have written an article on Dieffenbachia care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com