Mother-in-law's tongue is sometimes also called dumb cane -- both unflattering names that allude to this house plant's tongue numbing sap.
The dumb cane is so named because its toxic sap, if ingested, can cause a painful loss of speech. It forms a thick, green, canelike stem topped off by a cluster of large, fleshy, oval to lance-shaped leaves lightly to heavily marbled in white or yellow. The greenish flowers are of little interest.
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When the dumb cane becomes too tall, air layer the top of the plant, then cut the stem into three-inch sections, and lay them sideways in a potting mix. They will soon produce new plants.
Mother-in-Law's Tongue Quick Facts
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia sp.
Common Names: Dumb Cane, Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Light Requirement for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Bright Light to Light Shade
Water Requirement for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Drench, Let Dry
Humidity for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Average Home
Temperature for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: House
Fertilizer for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Balanced
Potting Mix for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: All-Purpose
Propagation of Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Air Layering, Stem Cuttings
Decorative Use for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Floor, Table
Care Rating for Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Very Easy
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