The SF Gate Dieffenbachia - care, repotting, watering, is a plant care and growing guide.

Gardeners have a lot of choices in dieffenbachia varieties that perform well in potted plants or when grown outdoors in warm climates.When grown in containers, there is a time when you will need to repot into a larger vessel and refresh the soil.The process is easy.

Tropical dieffenbachias are native to the Caribbean, Central America and South America.Dieffenbachias can be grown outdoors in containers or planted directly in the landscape in locations where winters are mild.

Compared to the striking leaves, the flower spathes are rather unremarkable, but dieffenbachia, regardless of the variety, is all about the thick, lush foliage.According to University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions, indoor plants rarely produce blooms.Plants grow into thick clumps of foliage.As the green cane grows taller, the leaves on the bottom become bare.

Different dieffenbachia varieties grow anywhere from 12 inches to 8 feet tall, and where they can grow outside, they make attractive, low-growing ground covers.When used inside the home or as an outdoor potted accent, the variegated foliage comes in a variety of green, yellow and white or cream and is sure to catch the eye.

According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, all of the dieffenbachia varieties are toxic.If you are doing any dieffenbachia care, it is important to take care of the plant.When caring for a plant, the university suggests wearing gloves.After handling a dieffenbachia, wash your hands thoroughly.

To protect your children and pets, grow all dieffenbachia varieties in a location that is out of their reach, as pets sometimes like to chew on leaves.The plant's toxic compounds can cause inflammation to the skin.If swallowed, dieffenbachia can cause irritation to the mouth, lips, tongue and throat.If you suspect someone is having a reaction to handling a dieffenbachia, check with poison control.

There are 30 different dieffenbachia species, with some more common than others, and there are more than 100 different cultivars.According to the NC State Extension, there are two popular varieties of spotted dumb cane.Different leaf patterns, colors and sizes can be found in both dieffenbachia varieties.

Both of the dieffenbachia varieties have large, oblong leaves that grow up to 6 inches long and wide.The foliage of spotted dumb cane has a mixture of green, white, yellow, and gold.The foliage colors of giant dumb cane include cream, tan, white, green and yellow, with bands along the leaf's outer edge, according to NC State Extension.

There are two Dieffenbachia sequine cultivars, one of which has white feathery foliage and the other has yellow-golden leaves with green margins.The common Dieffenbachia amoena has leaves with green midveins and borders and a white center mark fading to yellow, as well as variegated green and lime-green leaves.

Growing dieffenbachia in preferred cultural conditions assures a healthy and problem-free plant, whether you grow it outdoors or as a houseplant.Areas that receive indirect bright light and areas that do not receive enough light will slow the growth of the dieffenbachias.If you are placing your potted dieffenbachia outdoors, you should place it in locations that are shaded and dappled with sunlight.

According to the Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center, the best soil for dieffenbachia is loose and high in organic matter.To prevent root rot, it should be able to retain water and drain well.You can grow potted dieffenbachia in straight peat.The university suggests soil mixes for beginners.

If the inside temperature is comfortable for you, then you can grow your dieffenbachia indoors.Plants suffer damage when temperatures fall below 50 degrees and grow best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees.If your location experiences cold winters, you should bring the potted dieffenbachia indoors before the temperatures drop.

If your dieffenbachia needs a new container or just needs fresh soil, the best time to do this chore is in the spring.According to PennState Extension, you can tell if your dieffenbachia is pot-bound and needs to be moved to a bigger container if the roots are growing out of the bottom drain holes.

If you notice any of the conditions, it is time to repot.Proper and healthy growth can be affected by allowing the plant to become too root bound.You don't have to be a garden wizard to repot the dieffenbachia.

Selecting a larger pot is the best way to repot your dieffenbachia.Selecting a container that has bottom drain holes will cut down on the need for frequent watering, as plastic pots retain soil moisture longer than clay.Clay pots are heavier and require more frequent water applications.