Pruning a Top-Heavy Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Why Replanting Deeper Fails

Burying the stem causes rot. Dieffenbachia stems are not adapted to underground life.

Pruning: The Only Long-Term Solution

1. Cut the cane at any height — new leaves emerge just below the cut.
2. Cut back hard (12–18" above soil) for a bushy, stable plant.
3. Use clean, sharp pruners.

Rooting the Top

• Cut the removed top into 6–8" sections, each with a node.
• Root in water or damp perlite/peat.
• Pot at base of mother plant or in new pots.
• Your 20" pot has room for multiple canes.

Aftercare

Bright indirect light. Water when top inch dry. Fertilize lightly in growing season.