Hello! In the summer of 2003, the 20 year-old greenhouse at my college shut down. They decided to give their plants away. So I went, and picked up several plants to take home. Problem is, I have no idea what they are! My favorite one (the topic of this message) had no root system, because it was cut out of the ground for me to take. I potted it, and was amazed at how fast it grew. It had 6 new leaves on it within a few months. I had a very humid apartment at that time with not much light. But it was right next to the main window. I rotated it a little each week because it leaned towards the light. But I woke up one morning, and found the top half had broken clean off the trunk halfway down. I repotted the top half -and- the stump, not knowing if either would survive. Since then, I moved into a new home, more light, less humidity. The original plant (http://www.svenskanna.com/plants/plant1.jpg) isn't thriving like it did before. The stump however, grew new shoots quickly. (http://www.svenskanna.com/plants/plant2.jpg). Makes sense because of the established roots, I guess. So, a few questions. Most importantly, what type of plant is this? I know that it is very tolerant, but I would like to know how to care for it properly. I have some other questions, but I'm not sure if this is the right venue to ask. How big they are expected to get? Once it has several heavy leaves, how can I keep it from splitting at the trunk? Any tips would be appreciated. I'm also seeking advice about the second plant. (http://www.svenskanna.com/plants/plant2.jpg) Considering how the first one did, I'm worried that the weight of more new leaves will cause the new growth to crack apart from the trunk. So far it seems okay... Thanks in advance! Anna
thanks! Super - thanks for letting me know. I've found a lot of information already to help me care for them. This is an amazing service that you all provide! Anna
It is extremely unlikely that the weight of he leaves would ever cause a dieffenbachia to break as you describe. I would have to suspect a clumsy guest, the dog or some other outside force. Your plant,(also called 'dumb cane'), because of the poisons it contains can restrict the throat and choke the eater, is quite easy to start(propagate). Chop it into as many pieces as you want new plants, pot the pieces and watch them grow.
