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Identifying & Propagating Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

plant in question What tree/plant is this? Stalk so long—want to shorten. Cut in half and replant, or root in water first?

Expert Advice

It's a Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)—poisonous sap (caution with kids/pets). Cut back to desired height; new growth forms below cut. Top portion won't root by sticking in soil (unlike Yucca/Dracaena). Cut top into sections with leaf nodes, plant those. Google "propagating Dieffenbachia" for details.

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