VARIETIES: 	Charming dieffenbachia - D. amoena
		Bause dieffenbachia - D. bausei
		Exotic dieffenbachia - D. exotica or D. arvida
		Variable dieffenbachia - D. picta or D. brasiliensis

!!CAUTION!!:	Leaves and stems are poisonous; contain calcium oxalate, which can cause
		temporary speechlessness and painful swelling of the mouth.
	
MAXIMUM WIDTH:	usually sold at 2½ feet tall but can reach 4 - 5 feet.

SUBSTRATE:	1 part loam, 1 part peat moss or leaf mold, 1 part sharp.
		To each gallon pailfull of this mixture add: 
		- 1½ teaspoons of 20% superphosphate
		- 1 tablespoon of ground lime-stone
		- 2 teaspoons of 5-10-5 fertilizer.
		Otherwise, use general-purpose potting soil.	
							
LIGHT: 		Tolerates dim light
		Does best in bright indirect or curtain-filtered sunlight.
		Or where only artificial light is available, be sure to provide 
		at least 400 foot-candles.
			
TEMPERATURE: 	Night = 65 - 70°F (18 - 21°C)
		Day = 75 - 85°F (24 - 29°C)

WATERING: 	Let the soil become moderately dry between thorough waterings

FERTILIZING: 	Wait 3 months to fertilize new plants, 
		Mature plants - Fertilize every 2-3 months
				Use all-purpose house plant fertilizer diluted to have the 
				recommended strength
				
REPOTTING:	Repot overcrowded plants at any season.

PRUNING:	To stimulate new growth, cut the plants back in spring to within 4" to 6" of
		the rim of the pot.

PROPAGATION:	Any season from sections of the main stems or by the air layering method.