UF Home

Plant Identification Learning Module:
Flowers and Foliage

Dieffenbachia, Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)

Dieffenbachia is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with thick stems that reach four to six feet in height. The simple, ovate, evergreen leaves are alternate and eight to twelve inches long. There are many cultivars available ranging from green leaves to yellow leaves with splotches of creamy white or yellow. The petioles are long and enclose the stem. The flower is a spathe and spadix.