This Plant in the Home Can Kill a Child in Less than A Minute! Find Out How!

Some call it Dumbcane, others know it by the genus of Dieffenbachia. This plant, a member of the family Araceae is a tropical flower plant native to Mexico and the West Indies. Characterized by broad leaves and a thick stem, this botanical plant has become popular in households due to the ease of growing it and a wide variety of leaf patterns with white spots and flecks that make it attractive.

This green beauty gets its strange common name of Dumbcane from the presence of raphides. These needle-like structures are shot off when a plant’s cell walls are damaged or destroyed and have a poisonous effect, which emits a number of symptoms. The oxalate crystals present in Dieffenbachia can cause a burning sensation, localized swelling, and a numbing sensation, though the effects of this poison are quite mild.

It should also be noted that these plants themselves aren’t dangerous or malicious. Though they’ve gotten a bad rap for their slightly poisonous qualities, most of those afflicted are either young children or animals like cats or dogs that bite or irritate the plants. A potential owner of one of these plants should use caution in where they place this plant so that no incidents occur.

This caution is supplemented by the environment one would desire to cultivate a Dumbcane plant. A temperate climate is best for this plant, and since most houses’ temperature ranges from 70 to 75 degrees it makes a good match for this exotic beauty. Best growth can also be obtained by giving the plant indirect light. Placing this plant near an elevated and filtered window might be best, though some varieties of this plant require a lower light amount.

The Dieffenbachia plant is popular for a number of reasons. Perfect showy leaves for the home, a great accessory to an office, or simply its adaptable nature are just a few benefits of adopting one of these exotic plants. Should you decide to take one of these home, make sure you have the gardening know how and are properly informed before you bring this new plant into your world.