Propagating Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Stem Tip Cuttings, Not Leaf Cuttings

Dieffenbachia cannot be propagated from leaf cuttings. Use stem tip cuttings (top 6 inches of cane), remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in moist perlite-amended soil. The mother cane will resprout and produce new canes for future propagation.

Methods That Work

• Stem tip cuttings (easiest, fastest).
• Cane cuttings (sections of leafless stem).
• Air layering (for large plants).
• Division (at repotting).

Water rooting fails—Dieffenbachia needs soil. Perlite and vermiculite improve the rooting medium.