Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Zones: 10a-11b outdoors; grown as a houseplant everywhere else

Houseplant

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

leaves, roots, stems, sap: all parts

Preparation

Ornamental houseplant only.

Hazard type

calcium oxalate crystal injury (mechanical/chemical irritation, not a classic systemic poison), contact dermatitis

Hazard route

ingestion (chewing/biting the plant) or skin/eye contact with sap

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic principle: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and a proteolytic enzyme, in leaves, roots, stems, and sap. Clinical signs: oral irritation, intense burning of mouth/tongue/lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. For humans, NC State Extension separately rates this a high-severity poison: needle-like crystals can become embedded in the mouth and throat, and sap contact with eyes can cause corneal damage; the plant also causes contact dermatitis.

Patent / trademark

not applicable

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 10a-11b outdoors; grown as a houseplant everywhere else.
Water needs: moderate keep moist; allow top 1 in of soil to dry between waterings
Mature size: 3-8 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide; erect, scarcely branched, broadleaf evergreen perennial.
Family: Araceae (arum family)
Where it comes from: Caribbean to tropical South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and others).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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