What it is: This listing is a large plant sold as Dieffenbachia Camouflage (Dieffenbachia cultivar). This large plant suits a floor spot.

Light: Bright, indirect light suits Dieffenbachia; avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. It tolerates medium light, but very low light can mean leggier growth and less pattern on new leaves. A grow bulb helps through dark northern winters.

Watering & care: Water thoroughly, let the excess drain away, and let the top of the mix dry out slightly before watering again. Don't leave the pot sitting in water; root rot is a risk in soggy mix (NC State Extension). Our growers note Dieffenbachia is an easy grower that tells you when something is off: new leaves can drop when the plant is too cold, and small leaf tips turn brown with inconsistent watering.

Humidity: Average home humidity is usually fine; a humidifier or grouping plants helps in very dry winter air. A pebble tray only gives a small, local boost.

Temperature: Keep it around 18–24 °C (65–75 °F), as our earlier listing recommends, and away from cold drafts and frosty windows. Cold can make leaves drop.

Winter indoors: In winter, keep it away from cold glass and doors, water less often while growth slows, and still check that the top of the mix has dried slightly before watering.

Expected indoor size: As a houseplant, NC State Extension lists Dieffenbachia at about 0.9–2.4 m (3–8 ft) tall and 0.6–0.9 m (2–3 ft) wide at full maturity. Compact types stay smaller, and in most homes growth is slow, so plants usually stay toward the lower end. How large yours gets depends on light, warmth, pot size and care.

Feeding: Feed lightly in spring and summer while it is growing; our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food works at a light dilution. Ease off in fall and winter.

Pets & pests: Toxic: the ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia as toxic to dogs and cats. NC State Extension rates its poison severity as high: the sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause painful burning and swelling of the mouth and throat if chewed, and sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep it out of reach of pets and children, and wear gloves when pruning. Watch for spider mites, scale, whiteflies, fungus gnats and aphids (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness, leaf count and variegation or colouring vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular leaf size, shape or pattern. The size option (10") refers to the pot diameter. It does not guarantee an exact plant height or leaf count. We don't have our own photos of this plant yet. The gallery image is a shared Dieffenbachia graphic for inspiration only; it does not show this plant.