I've had this plant for 6 months, there were 3 seperate plants together in the same pot. Recently one of them died of root rot. I don't water it too much but found a lot of bugs in the soil. Not sure of cause. Want to save the other 2 stalks and need to get more info about the plant, therefore I need the name. An exhausting internet search turned up nothing. Thanks
And the lack of water may be your problem. Dieffenbachia is a rain forest plant but this one is almost certainly a hybrid. Although a good deal of material indicates not to over water that same material rarely addresses the proper light, soil mix and other factors to keep this genus healthy. Being an aroid it requires fast draining soil which is kept damp, not soggy. It also is a heavy feeder but should not be given high concentrations of fertilizer. A dilute fertilizer given weekly, or even daily, is best. First, consider the soil. This aroid, like most others grown in soil, should be given a soil mix that is extremely porous. Consider repotting the entire plant in a mixture of moisture control soil with lots of porous material added. Use orchid bark with charcoal and gravel such as the Schultz Orchid growing mix. Do not use plain potting soil! It holds far too much water. Add to that peat or compost, Perlite, ground coconut husk and any other natural media that will retain water for the plant's roots but drain and dry quickly. The plant loves high humidity as well. After all, it grows in a rain forest where it receives 70 to 100 inches of water annually. But it does not like to be soggy at any time! In the rain forest it rains much of the year but the soil does not remain soggy for long. That is because the soil is composed of dead leaves, dead tree branches and a great deal of composting material. Dieffenbachia also likes bright light, just not direct sunlight. Put it in the brightest place possible where it will receive good light most of the day. During the summer, a patio that is lightly shaded works great. Don't try to grow in in the center of a living room or someplace that only receives a bit of light daily. Think"rain forest". Mix up a water container with a gallon of water and perhaps 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer such as Miracle Grow. Water often, just don't try to soak the plant. Every time you water use this mix. Just don't make the soil mix soggy! Keep it damp to the touch. The pot must drain quickly. No need to try to put a layer of rocks in the bottom of the pot but make sure the pot has something beneath it to catch the water that will flow through the mixture. A quarter inch of water in a container beneath the plant at all times which contains gravel will certainly help to keep the humidity higher around the plant. Give it bright indirect light, food, and damp fast draining soil. Chances are it will recover.
