Dieffenbachia: Why you shouldn't keep it indoors, signs and superstitions

Dieffenbachia is a fairly popular plant in our country, but any experienced gardener can name at least one reason why it shouldn't be kept indoors. The most compelling reason for avoiding this plant is the toxicity of the sap it produces. There have been numerous cases of poisoning, mostly in children and animals that tried to chew the leaves of the poisonous plant. Adults most often develop an allergic reaction due to skin contact with the sap.

Besides its toxicity, dieffenbachia boasts a host of superstitions and beliefs that cast it in a negative light. It's worth noting that there are a couple of positive beliefs, but they don't pertain to keeping the plant in the home. Despite all this, dieffenbachia remains popular and continues to grace the homes of many ornamental plant lovers.

Characteristics of the Dieffenbachia plant

Dieffenbachia comprises an entire genus belonging to the Araceae family. There are over 60 known species, many of which are very popular in indoor gardening. The plant has a highly developed root system, which tends to grow rapidly, requiring regular repotting.

Most species have a single stem with an apical growing point. This characteristic causes certain difficulties over time. As the plant ages, it loses its lower leaves, leaving the trunk bare. This compromises its ornamental value. Gardeners are forced to cut off the leafy top and reroot it. Only a few species are capable of bushiness due to the presence of growing points on the sides of the main stem.

The plant's stems are thickened. Oval leaves are attached to them by petioles. These are the flower's decorative value. Dieffenbachia leaves have a unique coloring, a combination of green and white (yellow). Only a few specific species have solid green leaves.

Dieffenbachia is capable of blooming. The inflorescence consists of a creamy spadix framed by a yellow-green spathe. It's very difficult to achieve flowering indoors. You can appreciate the beauty of dieffenbachia flowers in the photo.

The most common types of plants are:

1. Variegated (Painted). A large, fast-growing variety. The dark green leaves are heavily speckled with yellow and light green. The petiole and midrib are light green.

   

2. Spotted. A low-growing variety with axillary leaves. The leaf blade is white and yellow with an uneven green border.

   

3. Leopold. A low-growing variety. The leaf surface is a uniform green with a prominent white longitudinal vein.

   

4. Charming (Pleasant). A medium-sized dieffenbachia. It's easy to care for. The leaves are dark green. The crossveins are highlighted with uneven white strokes.

   

5. Seguina. Very similar to the Charming variety. It has wider leaves. White strokes outline the crossveins, leaving them dark green.

   

6. Oerstedii. It is distinguished by its uniform, bright green leaves with a clearly defined central vein.

   

7. Magnificent. Characterized by large, light green leaves with white and yellow streaks along the cross veins. The central vein is colored to match the leaf blade.

   

8. Large-leaved. A low-growing species with very long leaves of a uniform green color. The longitudinal vein is noticeably thickened.

   

9. Bauman. It has the largest leaves, reaching up to 70 cm. The leaves are bright green with white speckles along the crossveins.

   

10. Bause. Characterized by marbled leaves, yellow-green hues predominate in the center, with dark green hues along the edges. The central vein is dark green.

    

11. Green Magic. Representatives of this species are very similar to Dieffenbachia leopoldiana. They are distinguished by their darker coloring.

    

12. Compacta. A low-growing variety, it grows to about half a meter. The leaves are also compact. The coloring is represented by dense white speckles of varying shades on a bright green background.

    

13. Camilla. Reminiscent of Dieffenbachia maculata, it differs in its more compact size and lighter margins.

    

Dieffenbachias are striking in their size. Their trunks can reach several meters in height, and their leaves can reach up to half a meter in diameter.

Why you shouldn't keep a dieffenbachia at home, according to signs and superstitions

There are a lot of negative signs and superstitions associated with growing flowers at home:

1. Deterioration of financial situation. There is a belief that the plant wards off material well-being. In a house where the flower grows, there is an acute shortage of money, even to the point of poverty.
2. A house without guests. A flower repels visitors with its heavy energy. In a room with a plant, guests feel uncomfortable, try to leave the house quickly, and have no desire to return.
3. Misunderstandings between generations. Dieffenbachia is believed to cause discord in relationships between children and parents.

   

4. Infertility. There is a superstition that the flower will prevent the birth of a baby.
5. Impotence. The plant suppresses male potency and contributes to a loss of interest in women.
6. Adultery. Placing a flower in the bedroom can lead to a loss of interest in each other.
7. "The Man-Catching Flower." It's believed that unmarried women shouldn't grow this plant. The flower is jealous of its owner and won't let men near her.
8. A scandal generator. Having a dieffenbachia in the house provokes family quarrels and scandals.
9. Pest. It is believed that the plant has a negative effect on the human nervous system. Those who own the flower experience sleep disturbances and develop neurosis.
10. Losing a Pet. Folk superstition holds that animals don't thrive in a home where a dieffenbachia grows. They either leave or die.

There are far fewer signs about the plant's positive influence, but they still exist:

1. A warning of danger. The plant blooms extremely rarely. But if it does, you should be extremely careful and cautious. By blooming, the plant foretells impending major troubles. They may not be averted, but "forewarned is forearmed."
2. New business. The plant actively promotes the development of new businesses.
3. A great career. The flower favors business people, helping them climb the career ladder. However, the plant should be placed directly in the workplace.
4. Office Assistant. Placing a flower in the office promotes success at work.
5. A plant tutor. Flowers in educational institutions help students absorb larger amounts of information and develop their intellect and mental abilities.

The danger of dieffenbachia to human health

Dieffenbachia has no distinct odor. Its sap contains toxic substances, presumably needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate. Contact with the body causes intoxication.

When the juice comes into contact with the skin, an allergic reaction occurs. This reaction varies from person to person. Redness, hives, burning, blisters, and ulcers may occur at the site of the reaction. People with an individual intolerance to the substances contained in the juice experience allergic reactions of varying severity.

There have been cases of heart failure due to an allergic reaction to the toxin. If the juice comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause a corneal burn, which can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.

Ingestion of the juice causes poisoning. A person experiences general malaise, dizziness, bouts of nausea, and headache. Vomiting and/or diarrhea may occur. Contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth causes swelling of the larynx and temporary loss of speech. A person who swallows a piece of dieffenbachia experiences pain in the mouth and esophagus.

To prevent sap poisoning, use personal protective equipment when caring for the plant. Experts recommend wearing rubber gloves when repotting, pruning, and cleaning dieffenbachia leaves.

Things are more complicated with small children and pets. As they explore the world, little ones try everything with their teeth. It's impossible to explain to them the cause and effect of breaking the rule against touching a flower.

Animals can also be harmed by dieffenbachia, especially overly curious cats. A pet can even die if it chews a leaf. It's recommended not to grow dieffenbachia in a home with small children or pets. If the plant has become so familiar that it's impossible to give up, it should be moved to a location inaccessible to small and furry inhabitants.

Positive properties of dieffenbachia

Despite the dieffenbachia's many negative qualities, it can also be beneficial. The flower, like spiderwort, is a natural humidifier. The plant's broad leaves constantly evaporate moisture. Being near a dieffenbachia makes breathing easier and your thoughts clearer.

This flower is ideal for those with dust allergies. Unlike many other ornamental plants, dieffenbachia leaves have a smooth surface, making them easy to collect dust during regular cleaning.

Thanks to the phytoncides contained in dieffenbachia, the plant is able to purify the air. The plant's immune system defends itself against pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms, destroying them. At the same time, the plant also protects people nearby. Therefore, dieffenbachias are often found in hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as in crowded places.

The presence of chemical gases is especially noticeable after renovations. The plant quickly eliminates these unpleasant substances, making the indoor air cleaner. Recently, the use of the plant as a natural air purifier has gained momentum. Environmentalists recommend growing the plant in homes located in environmentally sensitive areas.

On forums dedicated to the dieffenbachia, owners of the plant report the plant's positive effects. Women feel comfortable and cozy near it. Some gardeners claim that dieffenbachia has helped them lose weight.

Even negative superstitions about the flower can have positive aspects. For example, the plant poses no energetic threat to older couples and women not seeking marriage. Superstitions about the dieffenbachia's ability to promote business and increase productivity make it indispensable for men who spend a lot of time at work.

Frequently asked questions about the plant

Dieffenbachia is highly ornamental. However, it contains toxic substances that are dangerous to humans and pets. There are many popular beliefs about this flower, most of which advise against growing it.

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