Dieffenbachia ‘Tiki’

The Florida origin of Dieffenbachia ‘Tiki’

Dan Vanderlaan and Robert Hartman found Dieffenbachia ‘Tiki’ as a spontaneous sport among nursery plants in Lake Worth, Florida. The surrounding plants were then identified as Dieffenbachia memoria-corsii, and the selection was propagated vegetatively.

Care for cane-forming aroids

Watering

Water when the upper layer of the substrate is dry and slight moisture remains at the centre. A tall plant with many leaves uses water rapidly in warmth, yet the cane and fibrous roots decline in substrate that stays saturated.

Substrate and roots

Use a structurally stable houseplant substrate with fine bark plus perlite or pumice distributed through a moisture-retentive base. Keep the cane base at the same level, maintain open drainage and flush away fertiliser salts periodically.

Temperature

Keep Dieffenbachia ‘Tiki’ in steady indoor warmth. Chilled wet roots can yellow the lower cane and stall its growing tip, so protect the pot from cold glass and draughts.

Humidity and airflow

Average indoor humidity is normally adequate. Moderate humidity reduces dry tips along the narrower blades and helps new leaves release from their sheaths.

Fertilising

Feed at a low dose with a balanced foliage fertiliser during active shoot and root growth. Use the lighter rate under moderate light or after repotting.

When Dieffenbachia ‘Tiki’ needs attention

• Leaf centres are almost white with grey-green clouding: This dramatic pale centre and greener border are normal for ‘Tiki’. Treat it as a problem only when the tissue becomes crisp, translucent or develops an expanding dark margin.
• Pale sections turn tan beside a bright window: The light tissue scorches easily after a sudden exposure increase. Move the plant out of direct midday sun, keep it in bright filtered light and assess progress from undamaged new leaves.
• Lower leaves yellow while the root ball remains heavy: Too little air around wet roots is more likely than thirst. Delay watering, empty the cover pot and improve the mix or drainage if it routinely stays saturated; the root-rot guide covers what to do if roots are soft and brown.
• New growth is scraped, misshapen or peppered with black dots: Thrips can hide in the tightly rolled leaf before it opens. Isolate ‘Tiki’, inspect neighbouring plants and repeat treatment through the pest life cycle.

Dieffenbachia ‘Tiki’ 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.

The meaning and history of 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.