dumb cane

Description:

Dieffenbachia (play /ˌdiːfɨnˈbækiə/)[1] is a genus of tropical plants in the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. The name commemorates Ernst Dieffenbach, a German physician. Members of this genus are popular as houseplants because of their tolerance for shade. The common name is 'dumb cane' due to its poisoning effect on the throat due to raphides.

Habitat:

Dieffenbachia plants can grow outdoors in tropical climates, but specimens kept as houseplants must be kept indoors during most of the year outside the tropics. Temperatures below about 10˚C (40˚F) can kill the plant. The plant needs light but filtered sunlight through a window is usually sufficient. When the plant is brought home from the nursery, it will likely need repotting. The plant needs moderately moist soil.

Notes:

I seldom see this plant bloom since it is always trimmed and re-potted when it gets too high. Sap is also very itchy.