Issue with dumb cane stem - Ask Extension
I've had this dumb cane for about two months now and some leaves turns yellow and die out but recently I've moved it to a better light source and away...
Knowledgebase
Issue with dumb cane stem #710448
Asked August 06, 2020, 10:50 PM EDT
I've had this dumb cane for about two months now and some leaves turns yellow and die out but recently I've moved it to a better light source and away from the AC and it has been awesome with growth. A lot of new leaves coming out of the bigger stems, and two little stems are growing. I just started to notice that one of the big/original stems is like missing a chunk out of it. This was never there before. Not sure if it is rotting, or something is eating it. It is all dry with black dots. I don't know what to do (see the pictures). Can I put something on it or cut above the missing chunk and replant the healthier part of the stem? It is just odd because new leaves are growing from this stem. Please let me know. Thank you!
Kings County New York
Expert Response
It looks as though the soil of your dieffenbachia is staying too wet which has created the condition on your stem. It needs to have fast draining soil with a mixture of perlite or sand with potting soil and peat. It should be watered thoroughly and then all run off water should be removed from under the plant. Let the soil just nearly dry before you water it again.
The roots of your plant may have been affected by the moisture. If you begin to see a decline, remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots to see if they have become soft, slimy and dark. The plant will not survive if the majority of the roots have rotted.
For now, adjust your watering, keep the plant in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees with no drafts from windows, air conditioners or heat vents. Keep it in bright but indirect light. The damage to the stem could be fungal or bacterial but will hopefully stabilize with proper care. A dusting of cinnamon, nature's antibacterial treatment, on the lesion could help.
Thank you so much for your advice! That was extremely helpful. It is was probably caused by me watering the plant and the ac not letting it dry properly. I will put cinnamon on it and put it in an area with no air conditioners or drafts. Hope it survives this. Thanks again, have a great day.
