Home care for Dieffenbachia Camilla - a light-loving beauty with delicate leaves

A lush rosette of large leaves with an original pattern looks impressive and will decorate any room. The beautiful Diifenbachia is one of the most decorative indoor plants, especially Camilla. Caring for Dieffenbachia Camilla at home is not difficult, because the most important thing is to provide the flower with moisture. He loves water in any form, and large leaf plates will become even more beautiful after wiping or spraying.

Botanical description

Dieffenbachia belongs to the Araceae family and is an evergreen plant growing in the tropical zone of South America.

Distinctive features:

• has juicy thick stems topped with large leaves of variegated colors;
• the height of an adult bush can reach 2 meters;
• flowering indoors is a rather rare occurrence, but in nature the crop blooms in April-May;
• the inflorescence is a spadix located on a green-cream blanket;
• after flowering, red or orange berries form in place of the cob;
• the culture is fast growing;
• the leaves of the plant perform a decorative function; their color is very diverse - they can be decorated with dashes, spots or stripes, depending on the variety.

The flower is named after the Australian gardener Joseph Dieffenbach at the Imperial Botanical Garden at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. According to folk superstitions, it is also called the “widow’s flower.” It is believed that Dieffenbachia absorbs male energy, thereby destroying family ties.

In the photo below you can see Dieffenbachia blooming, a rather rare occurrence.

How to choose the right plant?

Given the variety of Dieffenbachia species, choosing the right plant is quite difficult. To choose a suitable variety that will please the owner for a long time, you need to consider the following factors :

1. You should decide on the dimensions of the room in which the flower will be located. Bush varieties will fit perfectly into a small room, while tree-like plants are best placed in a spacious room.
2. It is necessary to ensure the viability of the flower. In the wild, the lifespan of the plant is about 10 years; in indoor conditions, Dieffenbachia lives on average 2–3 years. Old plants begin to wither and their leaves drop. Also, a healthy, viable plant has white roots.
3. It is worth paying attention to the packaging of the flower in the store. These tropical plants do not tolerate cold and gusts of wind at all, so when purchasing, the leaves must be protected with film.
4. The grower's experience matters. Dieffenbachias are considered unpretentious and demanding plants at the same time - they only need strict compliance with two conditions: sufficient soil moisture and a constant room temperature of at least 17 degrees. Some varieties, for example, Compacta, Prelestnaya, Baumana, Spotted, tolerate low air humidity more easily and are better suited for beginning gardeners.

Varieties and photos

The culture includes about 30-40 varieties, differing in leaf size and color. Let's look at the most popular of them. Below are photos, names and descriptions of Dieffenbachia varieties suitable for propagation and care at home:

Spotted

Dieffenbachia spotted has the following features:

• the bush is distinguished by large stems, up to 1 meter in size;
• the leaves themselves can grow up to 40 cm in length and 12 cm in width;
• leaf shape is lanceolate or oblong, slightly pointed towards the top;
• the variety attracts attention with its original spotted pattern on the leaves;
• the leaves are bright green, and the spots are multi-colored: yellow, white, emerald;
• This variety blooms with small yellow-white flowers collected in a spadix;
• At the end of flowering, red berries appear in place of the flowers.

The photo below shows Dieffenbachia Spotted:

Camilla

In nature, the Camilla variety can reach 2 meters, but in indoor conditions it is more compact. Characteristics:

• grows in the form of a bush;
• a powerful trunk is topped with lanceolate leaves, up to 40 cm long and about 15 cm wide;
• in young specimens the leaves are almost completely white, only with a green edge at the edges;
• when the bush grows, the white spot on the leaves decreases and acquires a cream or lemon tint, the edges still remain green.

Dieffenbachia Camilla does not like bright light and prefers partial shade . You can see what the Dieffenbachia Camilla variety looks like in the photo below:

Mars

This variety is distinguished by a marbled pattern on the leaves with a light vein in the center. Dieffenbachia Mars will retain its beautiful color only with sufficient light, and the crop may get burned if exposed to direct rays. The bush itself is compact, which is a definite plus for small apartments. The photo below shows the Dieffenbachia Mars variety:

Green Magic

It is a hybrid of the Ørsted variety and is a small bush decorated with bluish-green leaves.

Tropic Snow

The Tropic Snow variety is relatively small in size - only 80 cm in height. The leaves are oval, pointed at the end . The color of the leaves is quite unusual - in the center of the leaf there is a pronounced vein, and on a dark green background there are strokes and elongated spots.

Vesuvius

Vesuvius has strong stems on which elongated leaves with pointed edges are located. The coloring of this variety is marbled: yellow, white and dark green spots are located on a light green background.

Effective care when growing camellia from seeds at home

The effectiveness of caring for beautiful indoor camellia flowers directly depends on the choice of container in which they will be kept. It is best to use a plastic pot as it prevents moisture from evaporating quickly. If there are several holes in its bottom, it is better to pour drainage onto a piece of spunbond cut to fit the diameter of the pot. This will help the expanded clay or stone chips stay in the container and not fall out of the holes. With enough moisture, each bud can bloom for a month.

Growing camellia from seeds yourself in ordinary home conditions is a process that may require a lot of time and effort, but the beauty of the flower is worth it. If all the necessary conditions are created, it will delight its owners with its beauty and sophistication for a long time.

Planting a beautiful camellia flower is also possible in the garden; for this you need to prepare a hole in advance. Place a layer of expanded clay stones or crushed building stone on the bottom.

Pour a mixture of peat, sand, coniferous soil and pieces of bark taken in equal proportions over the drainage, and place the seedling in the hole, sprinkled with soil up to the root collar. It is worth choosing a place for planting near trees that can protect the bush from wind and excessive sun exposure.

Any ornamental tree or shrub needs to periodically thin out its crown, and for camellia, pruning of excess shoots and dried leaves should be done when it has finished blooming.

When planting a seedling, it is important to make sure that the soil is sufficiently acidic. Subsequently, you can try adding peat to it as a top dressing.

Care

Under natural conditions, the "widow's flower" grows in the tropics, and, therefore, needs a lot of heat and high humidity. This is a rather whimsical plant that requires special care. Let's talk in detail about what conditions Dieffenbachia requires and how to care for it.

Lighting

The availability of sunlight directly depends on the variety of Dieffenbachia. Spotted varieties need bright, diffused light , but varieties with a small number of spots are grown in partial shade.

In summer, the plant feels good on an open balcony or veranda in the absence of sudden changes and drafts.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for growing a bush in summer is 22-28 degrees Celsius, in winter – 18-22 degrees.

When the air temperature drops to +17 degrees, the flower begins to ache, and at +10 it dies.

Humidity and watering

The plant will require abundant and regular watering, and the water should be soft and settled. Drying of the top layer of the substrate indicates the need for watering , while complete drying of the earthen clod threatens the death of the bush.
Overwatering also negatively affects the well-being of Dieffenbachia - the roots of the plant are quite fragile and can rot from too much water.

With the onset of cold weather, watering should be gradually reduced and carried out only after the soil has dried by half.

High air humidity is another important parameter. This exotic beauty is accustomed to a tropical humid climate and requires regular spraying. In summer, the flower responds well to a warm shower , and once a week it is necessary to wipe the leaves of the plant with a damp cloth.

Top dressing

Due to its rapid growth, the flower needs complex regular feeding, the frequency of which in warm weather is once every 7-10 days. Mineral and organic agents are applied to the soil, alternating with each other. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped, because The "widow's flower" cannot assimilate them.

How to transplant?

The most favorable period for transplantation is winter, when the “widow flower” is in the dormant stage and tolerates the procedure more easily.
The fact that a transplant is required will be indicated by roots peeking out of the drainage holes. The frequency of transplants is approximately once every 3-4 years . Until this time, the top layer of soil will need to be replaced once every 2 years.

The container for transplantation is increased by 2-3 cm, after which the Dieffenbachia is transferred along with the old lump of earth. The drainage layer must be changed and the voids filled with fresh soil.

Fertilizers can be applied to the soil only after a month.

Priming

Purchased mixtures for Dieffenbachia are well suited for planting the plant and its subsequent replanting. If it is not possible to buy a ready-made substrate, you can make it yourself by mixing the following components:

• sand – 1 part;
• humus – 1 part;
• land - 3 parts.

The bottom layer must be drainage , for which expanded clay, pebbles or clay shards are suitable.

Pot

The main rule for choosing a pot for Dieffenbachia is the following: it should not be too large. It is enough to choose a container that is twice the size of the root ball, and at the same time be stable.

Be sure to provide holes at the bottom of the pot for water drainage, otherwise the roots of the flower will rot and it will die.

How to trim?

Dieffenbachia is a fast-growing flower, so after a while it becomes very elongated, losing its decorative effect. The bush needs regular pruning, which can be done using two methods:

Trim the top of the plant and then root it.
Trimming should be done at a distance of 2 cm from the node in which there are dormant buds.
The procedure is carried out with sterile scissors or pruners, and the sections must be treated with charcoal. 4 days before the start of manipulations, the crop is not watered - this is necessary to reduce the amount of juice released, because it is poisonous.

Trim the trunk at a distance of 10 cm above the ground. The cut should have smooth edges, and the stump should have at least 2-3 buds for further growth of the bush. Don't forget to process the cuts in the same way. The stump should also be covered with polyethylene or a glass jar to create a greenhouse effect. The “greenhouse” is ventilated daily, and when new shoots appear, the film is finally removed.

Carry out all manipulations with the plant with rubber gloves, avoid getting the poisonous juice on the skin and mucous membranes.

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Dieffenbachia: benefits and harms

Despite the fact that this plant is poisonous and requires caution, it has a number of beneficial properties:

• The shrub can significantly improve the composition of the air, purifying it of many toxic substances and reducing the amount of dust. That is why it is recommended to grow it in houses and apartments that are close to highways or factories.
• It has bactericidal properties due to the high content of phytoncides.
• Increases air humidity, which is especially important in conditions of central heating in winter.

What dangers can you encounter when growing Dieffenbachia:

• The poison of the flower cannot cause significant damage to the body, the maximum that can be vomiting, mild malaise, and upon contact with skin, allergies or irritation may occur.
• If the juice gets on the mucous membrane of the larynx, slight swelling may occur, which will soon go away.
• In isolated cases, with individual intolerance to the milky juice of a flower, acute allergic reactions or heart failure may occur.

Based on the characteristics of the plant described above, certain conclusions can be made about the safety of Dieffenbachia, the benefits and harm to others.

Dieffenbachia, subject to simple precautions, is not much different from other indoor flowers. At the same time, its beautiful appearance will please the eye and improve the microclimate in the room. As for the bad omens and superstitions associated with Dieffenbachia, it is up to everyone to believe in them or not.

Reproduction

Every owner of such a beautiful plant as Dieffenbachia should know how to propagate it, so that when the bush grows, it can be renewed or simply get a couple more young plants. There are several effective methods of reproduction, which we will discuss in more detail.

Apical cuttings

Instructions for propagation by apical cuttings are as follows:

1. Prepare cuttings 15 cm long by cutting them from the top of the bush.
2. Perform rooting by placing the cuttings in a glass of water or planting them in a special substrate. To prepare the soil, mix peat and sand in equal proportions.
3. Add an activated carbon tablet to the water to disinfect the plant. After the roots have formed (3-4 cm in length), plant them in the ground.
4. If the seedlings take root in the ground, then create a “greenhouse” for them by covering the container with film.

Stem cuttings

This method is also simple:

1. Cut the Dieffenbachia trunk into cuttings 10-15 cm long.
2. Treat the sections with activated carbon and dry for 24 hours.
3. Place the planting material on the soil and sprinkle with soil so that half of the plant remains on the surface.

Expert opinion

Vera Ivanovna Sh

Since childhood, I have been interested in growing indoor flowers, then I decided to devote my life to landscape design and gardening.

Propagation by stem cuttings takes a long time, because... the plant takes root very slowly, sometimes over the course of a year.

Leaves

Large leaves without any signs of disease are suitable for propagation, but in no case old ones. The procedure is as follows:

1. Select healthy leaves and cut them from the bush;
2. Dry the leaves and then place them in a container with water;
3. After the roots appear (about 2 cm), plant them in the soil;
4. Cover the seedlings with polyethylene. Further care should be carried out according to general rules.

The leaves can be planted directly into the soil, but this method may cause the roots to rot.

Dividing the root

Typically, this method is used when replanting a plant. The instructions are:

1. Water the flower generously and carefully remove it from the pot so as not to damage the earthen lump;
2. Rinse the roots with running water and carefully unravel them;
3. Inspect the root system for the presence of gray rot and, if detected, remove infected areas;
4. Dry the plants for 24 hours, then plant them in new soil.

To disinfect the roots, use crushed activated carbon or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

How to care for Dieffenbachia

At home, caring for this peculiar flower should take into account certain nuances:

• The sap of all types of Dieffenbachia is poisonous, so replanting and pruning should be done in compliance with safety measures. In addition, the plant should be kept away from animals and small children.
• Under favorable conditions, the flower quickly grows green mass - one new leaf per week. However, in most varieties, over time, the lower part of the trunk is exposed, as a result of which the plant loses its attractive appearance - it has to be cut off and re-rooted.
• Dieffenbachia loves moisture, but does not tolerate lime, so water for irrigation and spraying must be settled, boiled or filtered. You can use soft rainwater at room temperature for irrigation.
• The temperature for the plant should remain within 20...26 °C in summer and not fall below 16 °C in winter. The root system of Dieffenbachia does not tolerate cold well and quickly rots. It should also be taken into account that the flower reacts extremely painfully to drafts.

Selecting a location

The plant is very light-loving, but when exposed to direct sunlight, burns quickly appear on the leaves, so avoid placing Dieffenbachia on southern and south-eastern window sills or provide shading for it during hot midday hours. It is best to place the flower on an east or north-west window.

With a lack of light, Dieffenbachia leaves become smaller and lose their decorative spotted color. In addition, the plant begins to intensely reach for the light source, bending and becoming lopsided. Having noticed such tendencies, move the flower to a more illuminated place or provide additional illumination with a phytolamp.

In hot summer, it is better to move the plant to a balcony or terrace, taking care of shading from direct sun. A large amount of diffused light helps to improve the health of Dieffenbachia and the formation of new large leaves with well-defined spots.

Watering and fertilizing

Dieffenbachia loves moisture, but at the same time does not tolerate excessive watering - this causes the roots of the plant to quickly rot. Therefore, water the flower no earlier than the soil in the pot has dried out by about a third. In summer, this usually happens after 2-3 days. In winter, water the plant especially carefully, remembering that it is better to underwater than to overwater.

To maintain the required humidity during the hot season, it is necessary to spray Dieffenbachia daily (preferably early in the morning so that the wet leaves do not receive sunlight). From time to time you can organize bathing in a warm shower - this will only benefit the plant. When the temperature drops, spraying is stopped completely - instead, the leaves are wiped with a soft damp cloth as necessary to remove dust and dirt from them.

The plant does not have a pronounced dormant period, so it needs to be fed all year round, using both organic and complex mineral fertilizers. During the period of active growth (from April to August), fertilizing is carried out once every 2 weeks, the rest of the time it should be fertilized once a month. With a lack of nutrients, the flower begins to form small, monochromatic leaves.

Carrying out a transplant

Dieffenbachia transplantation at home should be done annually if the plant is young, and once every 2-3 years if it is mature. It is better to carry out the procedure in mid-spring - early summer. If the flower has reached an impressive size, you can leave it in the old pot, replacing only the top layer of soil.

The soil for Dieffenbachia should be moderately acidic, loose and breathable so that the roots can breathe and dry well between waterings. You can make your own soil mixture using 70% peat and 30% crushed bark, vermiculite or sand. You can also buy ready-made soil for aroids at a flower shop. It is imperative to use drainage, the volume of which should occupy at least ¼ of the pot.

The container chosen for replanting the plant should be only 2-3 cm larger than the previous one - if you plant Dieffenbachia in a pot that is too large, it will begin to intensively grow the root system, temporarily stopping the growth of green mass.

The plant should be replanted according to the usual scheme: first, the soil mixture, drainage and pot are disinfected, then the flower is removed from the old container and moved to a new one. Care must be taken during the procedure, since the roots of Dieffenbachia are fragile and can be easily damaged. When replanting, it is recommended to free the root system from old soil as much as possible.

Flower propagation

Usually the plant is propagated in two ways:

• Apical cuttings. A cutting of at least 15 cm in size is cut from the top of the Dieffenbachia and rooted in water or a mixture of sand and peat in equal proportions. When rooting in the substrate, it is better to build a greenhouse for the plant, covering it on top with a jar or polyethylene. If the cutting is placed in water, add an activated carbon tablet there - this will prevent putrefactive processes. When the plant has several roots measuring 3-4 cm in the water, it is planted in a pot. When transplanting rooted cuttings for the first time, the earthen lump is not destroyed - young Dieffenbachia are simply transferred to a new container.
• Parts of the stem. The stem of the plant is cut into cuttings 10-15 cm long, the cut areas are powdered with crushed coal and left to dry for a day. After this, the cuttings are laid horizontally on the substrate and pressed so that half remains on the surface. Dieffenbachia planted in this way takes root extremely slowly, sometimes over the course of a whole year, so do not rush to throw away plants that do not show signs of life for a long time.

Why can't the plant be kept at home?

The exotic flower attracts attention with its beauty, but before purchasing, future owners should be aware of the dangerous properties of this plant. Dieffenbachia is poisonous and poses a real danger to humans if handled carelessly, which is why the flower should not be kept in a house where there are small children and animals.

When caring for a bush, you should take care of protective equipment - rubber gloves, and after pruning or replanting, wash your hands well.

Dieffenbachia juice causes serious chemical burns on the skin!

Bloom

The houseplant Dieffenbachia is mainly grown as an ornamental foliage plant, since its flowers do not have any aesthetic value as such. In addition, not all varieties of shrubs bloom.

Dieffenbachia at home, if all necessary care conditions are met, begins to bloom in mid-spring (April-May). How does Dieffenbachia bloom? The bud is an elongated ear with densely dotted small flowers of light yellow color. The inflorescence is covered with a gray-green blanket, which darkens over time.

Flowering takes a lot of energy from the plant, and at this time it stops growing and begins to actively shed its leaves. Therefore, experienced gardeners prefer to cut the buds before they begin to bloom.

After flowering, the cobs and fruits do not fall off on their own, so they must be cut off yourself.

Why is the flower dangerous for humans?

“Widow's flower” poses a great danger to humans; the toxic substances contained in its stems and leaves can cause allergies or damage body tissues.

If such a situation arises, it is necessary to take urgent measures:

• rinse problem areas with running water;
• to relieve pain, take a painkiller or treat the wound with lidocaine;
• if swallowing is not difficult for the victim, provide him with plenty of fluids;
• take an antihistamine to prevent swelling;
• Seek medical help immediately.

Flowering indoors

The plant blooms extremely rarely in the house, but this still happens. The Dieffenbachia flower is a long spadix, typical for the aroid species, framed by a spathe.

The plant usually blooms in the spring, during a period of intensive growth. After the flower begins to fade, it must be cut off so that it does not take away micronutrients from the crop.

Some people argue that keeping such a tree in the house is very dangerous from an esoteric point of view, since Dieffenbachia supposedly dooms its owner to loneliness, depriving him of the opportunity to find a soul mate and have children. It is very difficult to comment on this, but if something is not going well in a person’s life, it is unlikely that any plant can be blamed for it. The only real harm is that small children can be poisoned by the sap, but this can easily be avoided if you initially place the flower out of reach of the child and later explain why the plant should not be touched.

Dieffenbachia is a very beautiful flower that will delight you with its original foliage color (and perhaps even flowering) for a long time if you provide it with good care.

Diseases and pests

If the growing technology is violated, the flower is exposed to various diseases, as well as attack by harmful insects. As a preventive measure, the bush must be carefully examined to prevent the development of diseases and to eliminate the problem in a timely manner.

Pests that attack flower stems and leaves:

• Blackleg. To eliminate the pest, spraying with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture will be required.
• Aphids, which can be destroyed with a solution of tobacco dust. After 7 days, the procedure should be repeated.
• Spider mite. Its appearance is easy to notice - small cobwebs appear on the stems and internodes of the flower, and the leaves quickly fade. Eliminating a mite is not difficult - wipe the flower with soapy water, and then give it a warm shower.

The bush is also susceptible to fungal infections, which are divided into 3 types:

• viral;
• anthracosis;
• Fusarium

If fungus is detected, take the following measures:

• replace old soil with fresh one;
• water the bush with a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
• remove all damaged areas using sharp scissors;
• Sprinkle the resulting sections with activated carbon.

An important factor is proper care of the plant. Otherwise, the flower begins to hurt.

Why do the leaves turn yellow and what to do? – there are drafts in the room or the plant does not have enough heat.

Why do Dieffenbachia leaves dry out? This symptom is accompanied by several factors:

• insufficiently humid air;
• presence of drafts;
• the flower was watered with cold water;
• the room temperature is low.

Dieffenbachia has dropped its leaves. The reason for this behavior is rare or, on the contrary, abundant watering. Check the soil in the pot; if it is waterlogged and the leaves are drooping, check the roots for rot. To fix the problem, you will need to remove the damaged parts. The cuts must be treated with crushed coal, and the plant itself must be replanted in fresh soil.

Thus, if uncharacteristic signs appear, the conditions for keeping Dieffenbachia should be reconsidered.

How to plant camellia correctly

In order for the plant to be healthy, it is important to consider how to plant camellia correctly. The favorable period for this is February - March. At this time, the climate is most suitable for planting the seed in a pot. If done at the right time, the seed will sprout and grow before it needs to be transferred to garden soil.

To plant the material, you need to follow certain actions. The seeds need to be slightly pricked for faster ripening and placed in a glass of water for 2-3 days. Initially, the liquid should be well heated. You should first prepare a container for planting and pour drainage into its bottom.

Signs and superstitions

Dieffenbachia has been cultivated for more than 150 years, and during this time the flower has acquired many signs and superstitions.
It is noteworthy that its presence in the house can have both positive and negative effects. Among the negative signs, it should be noted:
The leaf of this plant can deprive a person of speech. This sign is not unfounded and has a medical explanation - Dieffenbachia juice is poisonous and causes swelling of the larynx and oral cavity.

The culture is popularly known as the “widow’s flower” or “husband’s flower” and is a symbol of celibacy. There are some superstitions associated with this:

• the plant does not need to be given to newlyweds, nor should it be kept in the house for spouses planning to have children;
• it is not recommended to place the bush in the bedroom - it negatively affects men’s health and leads to discord in the family;
• the flower promises loneliness to unmarried women, “scaring off” potential suitors, so it should not be accepted as a gift or purchased on your own.

Positive properties:

• Helps to increase the family budget and attracts good luck.
• It helps women maintain their attractiveness for many years if the proper conditions are created.
• Rids the house of negative energy.
• Helps to concentrate, improves brain function and intellectual abilities of a person.
• Helps prevent possible troubles.

The appearance of a flower can help predict certain events. If the leaves of a bush have faded, expect betrayal from loved ones. If the plant withers, someone in the family will get sick.

Provided you follow all the recommendations listed in the article, there will be no particular difficulties in growing and caring for Dieffenbachia at home. Despite some prejudices associated with folk superstitions, this plant remains in demand among gardeners.

How to grow healthy camellia at home: treatment of diseases

Those who want to know how to grow healthy camellia at home need to carefully monitor the condition of the flower. Despite the whimsical growing environment, the shrub can suffer from pests and diseases.

Aphids are dangerous because they destroy the leaves, and in the near future the entire plant withers and withers. If you notice the appearance of the parasite early, before the entire bush is affected, getting rid of it will not be difficult. You need to pour 2-3 teaspoons of liquid soap into a bucket of water and thoroughly treat the leaves with the solution. This can be done with a sponge or spray bottle.

The indoor flowering camellia plant is also susceptible to sooty mold. This black coating, which looks like soot, is an accumulation of fungi that does not cause much harm to the plant. In order to clean the leaves from black powder, you need to wash them with fresh beer or soapy water. An alternative way to “treat” the bush can be a warm shower. But you should adhere to safety rules and first cover the soil with a waterproof film.

The explanation is quite simple: you cannot oversaturate the roots with moisture, as it can cause the plant to rot. It is necessary to remember about drainage when replanting, since it is this that does not allow excess water to linger at the roots.

It is important to care for camellias when growing them in normal home conditions to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations. If you keep the shrub in unsuitable temperature conditions, flood it with water or do not provide sufficient moisture, or water the plant with tap water, leaves and buds may begin to fall off. The most common reason for falling off may be moving the pot to another place or turning the pot on the windowsill. If pests were also found on a wilting plant, you should immediately spray it with an insecticide:

• "Aktaroy".
• "Fufanon."
• "Spark."

When choosing a specific treatment method, it is important to first understand the causes of diseases, since their elimination is already halfway to complete “healing” and active growth.

Questions and answers

Dieffenbachia withers

Drooping leaves are the first sign of plant dehydration. If the soil in the pot is dry, it is necessary to provide the flower with regular watering. Otherwise, you should check the substrate and root system of Dieffenbachia for the presence of rot and mold. If the roots of the plant rot, it is necessary to remove the bush from the pot along with the earthen lump. After this, you need to clean the soil from the roots and remove the damaged areas. The area of ​​each cut should be treated with activated carbon or cinnamon powder. Dieffenbachia should be planted in new soil and the frequency of watering the plant should be adjusted correctly to reduce the risk of rot reoccurring.

Why do Dieffenbachia leaves dry out?

Typically, Dieffenbachia leaves dry out when the air humidity is insufficient, below 60%. At the same time, the plant weakens and becomes vulnerable to spider mite damage. Often the leaves dry out in a draft or cold.

Why do Dieffenbachia leaves turn yellow?

Yellowing of leaves is caused by:

• insufficient lighting;
• excessive watering;
• high hardness of water for irrigation;
• burns after exposure of the leaf plate to direct sunlight.

If black bugs appear on Dieffenbachia

If the leaves of the plant lose their decorative appearance and become covered with dark spots, then thrips have infested them. Insect pests require repeated treatment of the plant with chemicals. It is necessary to spray Dieffenbachia regularly and cover it tightly with a bag. Treatment is repeated every 2 days. The total number of procedures varies from 6 to 7. After 10 days, the procedure should be repeated to kill thrips larvae.

Does the Dieffenbachia flower smell?

Dieffenbachia flowers smell unpleasant. The aroma of the plant is plastic, leaving a sweetish taste on the root of the tongue.

How often does Dieffenbachia bloom?

Flowering of Dieffenbachia can be observed rarely, in April or May. The spadix with a pale bract appears for 2 weeks. However, during this time it must be removed so that it does not harm the plant. During flowering, the cob absorbs all the nutrients, which is why Dieffenbachia can wilt.

Causes of leaf cracking

The cause of cracking of the Dieffenbachia trunk is the plant being affected by soft rot. Once such a disease appears, treatment is impossible. To save the bush, you can grow a new seedling from its top.

How does Camilla differ from other types of Dieffenbachia?

This variety grows in the same way as other plant species.
It forms a rather thick stem on which large oblong leaves are located. Almost all varieties have a clearly defined central vein. Camilla's is light, unlike most species with a dark green stripe. The cross veins are also not clearly marked with a contrasting color; they are simply pressed in. However, the main advantage and characteristic feature by which you can immediately recognize it is the color of the foliage. It is unusually delicate, creamy-white, but the edges of the plate are outlined with a light green edging. No stains or specks, just light strokes in the area where the edge transitions to the center of the sheet.

Interestingly, young leaves can be almost green at first. But as the plate grows and enlarges, the “green” remains only along the edge, and the center becomes lighter.

general information

Camellias are difficult to describe because they are so diverse. There are shrubs and trees, and their height varies from 2 to 20 m. They actively branch, and the stems become lignified and bare over time. The leaves are usually oval or ovate, on short petioles, with slightly raised veins.

Camellia blooms with spectacular large flowers up to 12 cm in diameter. Decorative varieties resemble tea roses, especially selected double varieties. Flowering begins in late autumn and continues throughout the winter. The main shades are white, pink, yellow and red. There are also variegated petals.

Photo: pinterest.ru

What problems do you encounter when growing camellia shrubs?

1. Improper watering and excess moisture will lead to rotting of the root system and the formation of a crust on the foliage of the tree.
2. Dry air causes black spots to appear on the leaves. To cope with this problem, you need to get rid of the affected greenery. Wipe those leaves that have not become infected with a soft, damp sponge. Place the container in a cool room or near a window, thereby distancing it from other plants.
3. If you bury the root collar when planting, this will most likely lead to the death of the plant. The cervix does not deepen under any circumstances.
4. It can easily drop all the buds and leaves if:

• change his usual potty position
• change the angle at which the light was illuminated
• soil acidity will be higher than normal

Red camellia, like other varieties, requires special care. If you do everything correctly, you will soon be able to enjoy the lush, bright flowering of an evergreen shrub that will delight you with its flowers throughout the winter.