Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’

The Dutch origin of Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’

Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’ arose in the Netherlands as a whole-plant mutation of ‘Tropic Snow’. Debbie Elstgeest selected the plant and maintained the clone through vegetative propagation.

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

Propagation and repotting

Turn Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’ gradually for a symmetrical canopy. A tall bare cane can be shortened above a node to stimulate new shoots, and naturally separate rooted canes may be divided during repotting when size control is required.

Substrate and roots

Use a springy houseplant mix with fine bark and perlite or pumice mixed through moisture-retentive coir or peat. Keep cane bases at their present depth, clear the drainage holes and flush periodically if hard water or feed leaves a visible crust.

Light

Give Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’ bright filtered daylight close to an east window or screened from a stronger south or west exposure. Soft morning direct sun can be tolerated after gradual acclimation.

Temperature

Maintain steady indoor warmth.

Fertilising

Use balanced foliage fertiliser at a low dose during active growth, increasing to a modest dose only for a well-rooted plant in strong light. Continue a light programme through winter if new leaves remain active.

Repotting

Repot when roots cover the pot wall, emerge from several holes, lift the crown or cause rapid uneven drying. Preserve the root-ball core, release severe outer circling and return the cane bases to their original height.

Troubleshooting Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’

• Several shoots rise from low on the plant: This naturally full, many-shooted habit is normal for ‘Reeva’, not uncontrolled suckering. Remove a shoot only for shaping or propagation, not because the plant appears crowded above the soil.
• Inner leaves yellow where the clump is densest: One shaded old leaf can age naturally, but several yellow leaves plus persistently damp mix suggest that the crowded root zone is staying wet too long. Improve light and airflow around the plant and adjust watering to the actual drying rate.
• A new leaf catches and tears while opening: Low hydration, handling or pest feeding can all deform soft new growth. Keep watering consistent, avoid pulling the rolled leaf and inspect it for thrips; our new-leaf guide helps separate the causes.
• Hard brown shells and sticky residue appear on a cane: Scale insects can hide among the low shoots. Isolate the pot, inspect every cane and leaf stalk, lift off visible insects and make follow-up applications for later hatchlings.

Dieffenbachia ‘Reeva’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Why is it called Dieffenbachia?

Dieffenbachia honours Joseph Dieffenbach.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Dieffenbachia in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 820.