The leopard lily is a popular houseplant because of their lovely, wide leaves and tolerance to shade. Learn more about how to take care.
Leopard Lily or Dieffenbachia is a genus of about 30 species of Araceae-family evergreen perennials like the Monstera or Mishima plant. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, director of the Vienna Botanical Gardens, named the genus after his chief gardener, Joseph Dieffenbach (1796–1863). This is also known as, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, Tuftroot. The common term Dumb Cane relates to the plant’s poisonous impact, which causes a temporary incapacity to speak if swallowed. Because of their lovely, wide leaves and tolerance to shade, these plants are often cultivated as houseplants. They are particularly popular because of the ease with which they may be found, as the Dieffenbachia grows in shaded areas. Their many leaf varieties make them appealing for use in the living room and workplace.
The size of their pots will determine the Leopard Lily plant’s overall height. If you give it a large container, it may grow to 1.5m / 5ft in a matter of years. Pots of average size result in a more manageable size of 0.6m / 2ft.
How to Care of your Leopard Lily
A common misconception about Leopard Lily is that they require very little light. This is incorrect; a faint shade is okay, but nothing darker. You should provide strong indirect light to a healthy plant. Keep it out of direct sunlight during the day’s warmest hours, which are midday and early afternoon. If the light levels are too high, the leaves will burn; if they are too low, the plant will become lean and sickly. Find the right proportion for your plant and keep to it.
Importance of sites for leopard lily
The southern side of the home is ideal. The Leopard Lily /Dieffenbachia receive direct sunshine here, but there should be no drafts. A suitable site in the penumbra is also conceivable, and certain species of Dieffenbachia are grown in spaces that are insufficient for other houseplants. European hybrids like darker environments, and it enjoys high humidity. Seems quite attractive in the bright bathroom in the living room and hydroponics for humidity. The ideal room temperature, on the other hand, begins at around 15 ° C, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 ° C excellent.
Best soil for leopard lily plant
When it comes to soil, the Leopard Lily is straightforward. Healthy planting soil is more than enough. Alternatively, potting soil and compost can be mixed. Dieffenbachia may also thrive on decaying leaves and coconut fibers. It is critical to have a drain that permits water to flow. Pebbles, clay, or pottery are ideal for hydroponics as a bottom layer. You should pay attention to a watering edge from a few cm away to prevent water from draining out of the pot.
Watering leopard lily
Dieffenbachia / Leopard Lily require frequent watering that does not cause water logging. During the warm season, the plant’s leaves are treated several times weekly. They want a thorough watering followed by some time to dry out. This is one houseplant that will probably tolerate regular watering. Of course, always adapt according to the season and the demands of your own Dumb Cane; for example, anticipate water more frequently in the summer and less frequently in the winter.
Temperature required for leopard lily
The plant suffers if the temperatures drop too low; it would better be in your living room than in a rarely used unheated guest room. 16°C – 27°C (60°F – 80 °F). Temperatures must not fall below 10°C / 50°F (even then, this should be infrequently reached). It would help if you also avoid cold drafts. We cannot emphasize this enough. The old puff of air when a door opens or closes is good, but regular and powerful draughts will cause yellowing foliage and leaf loss.
Ideal pots for leopard lily
To ensure that the plants survive, it is best to give them fresh, healthy soil and maybe a larger container after purchasing. If numerous roots are already visible that will soon grow out of the soil, a container at least two cm in size is the preferable alternative. Use healthy, fresh soil and provide drainage for the soil. The root ball and a layer of dirt are then applied. The pot is then filled to the brim with soil and watered. It is conceivable that extra dirt must be put in after pushing on and watering.
Repotting leopard lily plant
The repotting of the leopard lily is done similarly. Repotting is necessary yearly or for two years, depending on growth. Old, dried roots are removed, and fresh roots are pruned with scissors. However, the new pot should not be larger than ten cm in diameter because the plant will devote all of its energy to root growth, and the leaves will develop less well. If the plant becomes too huge, it can be divided and replanted annually. The bottom layer is made up of drainage or ceramic shards that are used to remove rotten or diseased roots.
Fertilization
Fertilize every two weeks during the planting season. A manufacturer-supplied liquid fertilizer for foliar plants is suitable. Fertilize the Dieffenbachia only once every six to eight weeks during the stationary phase.
Propagating a leopard lily
The propagation process begins with the spring pruning. You put on gloves before beginning the task. If you want your Leopard Lily to be simple, don’t clip it. Cut lengthy branches that are ideal for head cutting. The cuttings are trimmed to around 10 cm in length and placed in a planter with soil and sand. A plastic film is pulled over the pot and put in a light position to achieve the appropriate temperature of approximately 25 °C. After around six to eight weeks, the cutting can be repotted into a pot filled with propagation soil. Always maintain the soil-sand combination wet and allow it enough airflow.
Leopard lily/Dumb Cane Problems
Common diseases and pests
It normally belongs to the robust house plants, rarely infested by diseases or pests.
The stem is sticky and discolored
Disease caused by stem rot. You’ve probably been overwatering, which, when paired with low temps, is frequently too much for the plant to handle. Remove the affected stems; if the damage is severe, eliminate the plant (rotting cannot be reversed once it has begun). If this is the case, you might try using the top sections as cuts.
Brown leaf edges on Leopard Lily plant
Brown edges suggest overwatering. Confusingly brown edges can also indicate underwatering. Looking back on how you’ve been caring for the plant will tell you.
Remember to water well, and then allow the soil to dry up before watering again. Conditions that are always damp should be avoided.
Brown leaf tips / Water accumulating on leaf tips
The Leopard Lily, like Pothos, is a crier. Sometimes, water-like droplets may develop and accumulate on the leaf tips. This is known technically as guttation and is usually innocuous, but this “water” also includes different salts from the plant that, if allowed to dry, can produce leaf burn and brown tips. To avoid this burn, wick the water away with a tissue.
Pale or Scorched leopard Lily leaves
As the plant tries to defend itself from such extreme conditions naturally, the leaves will seem washed out under direct sunshine or very strong light.
If the strong light comes on abruptly or for an extended length of time, scorch will occur: big leaf areas will become practically transparent or brown, ruining the plant’s beauty. Remove the scorch or the entire leaf, and then relocate the plant to a more shady location.
The leaves are turning yellow and dropping off
This is a typical part of the aging process. If numerous leaves are affected simultaneously, this indicates that the temperature is too low or the plant is in a draughty place. Warm temperatures are required, and draughts must be avoided, especially in the winter.
This is also evident when you continually overwater. The Golden Rule is to water well, then allow it dry before watering thoroughly again.
Aphids / Scale / Red Spider Mite
All three pests prefer making a home on the leopard lily or Dumb Cane. A soapy spray can eliminate scale and aphids (you may need to do this a few times to ensure you eradicate them). Red Spider Mites usually appear when humidity is low; therefore, attempt to raise it to prevent them.
Are leopard lily plants are poisonous?
The fact is that leopard Lily plants are poisonous, although they seldom cause major injury to humans or animals. All portions of the plant contain many minute needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. When an unfortunate animal (or person) eats these, they get a painful and swollen mouth, although the plant’s sap can be harmful to both animals and humans. Don’t worry; it won’t kill you, but according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, eating the stems causes mouth enlargement and speechlessness, hence the common moniker. It was once employed as a form of punishment for enslaved people. If you decide to keep one, better keep it away from curious pets.