Beware! This is a picture of a crime scene. It’s a dumb cane plant (Dieffenbachia), being killed slowly by a combination of too much neglect and too much “love.” How can that be, you ask? Look at the tell-tale signs.

Naked stems

The first clue is that “palm tree” effect that happens when lower leaves die off through improper care. This poor victim was found in my doctor’s office!

For reference, this page from Costa Farms shows examples of how your Dieffenbachia is meant to look. Note the bushy plants, with leaves right down to the pot edges. (The page also gives tips on the right way to care for this plant.)

Dead stems

Now the double-whammy of neglect/love comes in: your house plant gets too dry, then you over-compensate by deluging it in water, and letting it sit in a swamp. That’s a death warrant for most houseplants, because the waterlogged soil shuts out air from the plant roots. Roots die, plant dies – it’s as simple as that.

White stuff on the pot

The white rime is evidence this happened from death-by-swamping. The white stuff is from minerals in hard water and salts from fertilizers left after the water evaporates.

Treat it by flushing the soil of any potted plant at least once a year. No toilet is involved! Simply take the pot off its saucer or out of its decorative outer pot and run it under a tap till water runs through the base. Then do it a couple of times more. Make sure all excess water has drained out before putting the plant back. Never let it sit in water.

To be sure the white stuff doesn’t reappear, empty out any standing water in the saucer or outer pot every time you water. Then remember to water! For Dieffenbachia, do it when the soil surface feels dry.

Don’t be like Helen the House Plant Killer – or her doctor.