QUESTION:
I got this plant three weeks ago. Its leaves are getting yellow. I put it in the kitchen where there is no natural light but very good artificial light. I don’t water it very much. Is it a Dieffenbachia “seguine”?
ANSWER:
Hi Sara,
Your plant is a Dieffenbachia “Compacta”. Although the name dieffenbachia seguine is given to various kinds of dieffenbachias, the picture below is usually the accepted version.
Your dieffenbachia is probably turning yellow because the soil has gotten too dry before you watered. Water well (until the water comes out the drip holes in the bottom of the pot) and then allow the top 2″ of soil to dry out before watering again. Never allow a dieffenbachia to sit in the excess water. Dieffenbachia plants do best when watered on a regular schedule. When the soil gets too dry, bottom leaves turn yellow. If the plant is over- watered, stems rot and get mushy and bottom leaves die.
Cold temperatures also cause yellow leaves. Dieffenbachia plants prefer temperatures above 60°F (15.6°C). Lower leaves turn yellow when exposed to cold drafts from doors, windows, or air conditioners.
You can read all my care tips for a dieffenbachia in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.
Dieffenbachias are extremely poisonous plants. Keep the plant away from small children and pets. If the sap gets on your skin, wash it off immediately. Seek medical advice if a child or pet ingests any part of a dieffenbachia plant.