Identifying and Pruning a Top-Heavy Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia Naturally Becomes Top-Heavy

The 5-foot plant with skinny base, fat top, and large oval leaves is a Dieffenbachia. Large leaves make them top-heavy; a larger pot won’t help. Staking is temporary.

Pruning Is the Solution

• Cut the stem back by half to two-thirds.
• New growth emerges just below the cut.
• Root the removed top in water or soil at the base of the pot for a second stem.
• Two stems support each other and create fullness.

Continue current care—you clearly have a green thumb.