plantkingdom.com - GENUS=DIEFFENBACHIA

The Dieffenbachia, also known as "dumb-cane" and "mother-in-law tongue" due to its poisonous sap, is a plant good for low light areas. Many species, varieties, mutants, and hybrids exist, most of which make easy and popular houseplants. Some can reach heights over eight feet within the home setting, some remain compact and bushy, rarely reaching over three feet.

Light Ideally dieffenbachia like bright light (not direct sunlight), but they can do quite well in low light areas around the house where other plants may not.

Temperature Prefers a constant 70-80F, but can survive 50F.

Water Keep the potting mixture moist, but plant can tolerate some surface drying without damage. Ideally, keep the soil on the damper side.

Fertilization Apply every 1 to 2 months, which is fairly standart with most houseplants. Dieffenbachia, however, seem to respond well to constant feeding of 1/5th the perscribed dosage on the label with each watering.

Propagation Dieffenbachia root very easily by tip cuttings placed directly in water. Stem segment cuttings roughly 3-4in long, placed horizontally and buried with just the surface showing above the potting medium will have a fair to good chance of rooting. Use a soiless seed starting mix, such as Jiffy mix for better results.

Special Care Cut off top and repot if plant becomes too tall, using the above described forms of propagation.

Additional Notes If rootbound, dieffenbachia can become gnarled and twisted, sprawling over the edge of the pot instead of growing upright. Repot the plant into a bigger pot with fresh soil. Train the twisted stems to a pole to straighten, or trim back to allow room for new shoot growth. The cuttings taken during trimming can be rooted to make new plants.

Good Morning,

Summary: Dieffenbachia in small amounts cause extreme discomfort and irritation of the mucuous membranes. In large amounts (or small bodies like kids) the irritation can be extreme enough to block the airways and cause the indirect death by suffocation. I might point out that the beloved rhubarb contains the same Oxalids in their leaves, while their stems are harmless. (I include rhubarb because it is also one of those "Fact or Fiction" wivestales I've heard while growing up.) For more information please contact the Center for Disease Control for more technical answers.
The following is an exerpt from one of the CDC Dieffenbachia pages:

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Members of the Araceae family

These plants contain needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that penetrate and irritate tissues of the mouth and throat. Chemicals in their sap, such as asparagine (a protein), also can cause inflammation of mucous membranes. Plants in this family include dieffenbachia, philodendron, caladium, and elephant's ear. Symptoms of poisoning from dieffenbachia are intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Although rare, if the reaction is severe enough, the swelling can seal off the breathing passages. Philodendron, caladium, and elephant's ear produce the same types of symptoms when ingested. If a piece of the corm (underground stem) is eaten, symptoms are a fiery burning of the mouth and throat. Jack-in-the-pulpit is a native member to watch in this family.
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Thank you sincerely for your inquiry and for visiting plantkingdom.com.
Perry Post