Help for my dumbcane

**tfrasqueri** · #1 December 28th, 2006, 08:56 PM

I have recently had some problems with my dumbcane plant. First, right before my move my dumbcane plant broke off so I simply stuck the broken pieces right back into the dirt. I thought that would work but apparently plant was too top heavy so it kept coming right out of the dirt. Then I cut each of the 4 stalks to a reasonable height and stuck those in the dirt. When they originally broke off there were 2 leaves about to open but after 2 weeks, they still were closed. About 4 days ago 3 of the stalks broke due to them being soggy and with these, I merely cut off the soggy part and replanted them. I'm hoping to save my plant as I love it dearly. Can anyone tell me what I can do to make sure it doesn't die? I moved from VA to Florida but left the plant in NC with my mother-in-law so I wouldn't do anymore damage in the move. I want her to bring the plant here but wanted to find out if anyone knows anything I can do for sure to ensure it's life?
Thanks in advance,
Tricia

**Marn** · #2 December 28th, 2006, 11:09 PM

i cant think of the name of the method for propagateing dumbcanes (haveing a brain fart) :) .. it is were you cut the stalk into chunks about 3 or 4 inches long and you burry them in the dirt .. google propagateing dumbcanes .. im sure you will come up with something .. also use the rooting hormone .. and also with these plants ..spider mite love em so check for that and make sure that is not what is killing your plant (mist the plant .. if there is a webbing then you have mites) .. and also they are picky about there water .. leave a jug of water out over night before watering them ..

good luck

Marn

**Rima** · #3 December 29th, 2006, 03:34 AM

You said the stalks were soggy and therefore broke - if they were soggy, you could have root rot which would explain the whole thing's falling over, and you need to get it out of the pot to see the roots, and if necessary cut them back to clean, dry places and get rid of the slimy, black parts (rot) if there are any. Also, has the pot been allowed to sit in drain water constantly? That would cause the problem.

**tfrasqueri** · #4 December 29th, 2006, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the replies Marn and Rima, I have decided to have my mother-in-law bring my plant to me. I do believe they were watered too much and that was what caused the stalks to become soggy. Before I left NC I drained all the water out of the bottom of the pot and there was a lot. I have picked the perfect place where it will get natural light most of the day. Marn, I do believe I'll be attempting to propagate as soon as I know it's healthy enough. Thanks for the advice and any other advice would be much appreciated.

**Newt** · #5 December 30th, 2006, 11:40 AM

Dumb Cane aka Diffenbachia can be propagated by herbaceous cuttings, stem section (cane cutting) or air layering. I would go with the stem section aka cane cutting. Do let the cuttings form a callous for several hours before doing anything with them so they can harden at the ends. Take a look here and start with figure #4 for stem section.
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplo...ort/g06560.htm

Here's more help.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8700.html

Newt

**Marn** · #6 December 30th, 2006, 01:51 PM

Newt ..that is what i was meaning .. i was just haveing a brain fart ...lol.. and couldnt think of it..lol

Marn

**Newt** · #7 December 30th, 2006, 01:55 PM

Marn, I knew it too and couldn't think of the name either. I had to look in my bookmarks under propagation and then it was a 'Duh' moment! LOL

Newt

**Marn** · #8 December 30th, 2006, 03:12 PM

lol. ya i had the same moment when i read your post ..lol.. :)

Marn