This is how the pruning succeeds

Please note:

the Dieffenbachia is poisonous and can irritate the skin if touched. Plant sap that splashes in the eyes is also dangerous. It is therefore imperative that you wear gloves and proceed with this care measure carefully.

Which tool is suitable?

A sharp knife with a clean blade is ideal. Even with good cutting kitchen scissors or one Secateurs you can make the cut. However, preference should be given to the knife, as the twigs are crushed when cutting with the scissors, which not all plants can cope with equally well.

Regular topiary

During the growing season you can use the Dieffenbachia always cut back a little if necessary. With these minor corrections, the shoots are up just above a dormant eye shortened. You can recognize this by the slight bulging of the bark.

Strong pruning

If the plant becomes too protruding to the side or has to be shortened in height due to lack of space, a gentle shape cut is no longer sufficient. In this case, you can shorten the Dieffenbachia completely to a length of ten to twenty centimeters. Please note:

• The knife has to be very clean to prevent bacteria from entering through the wound.
• Make sure you have one at a time sleeping eye remains on the shoot, because it is only from this that the Dieffenbachia sprouts again.
• A wound disinfection as with other plants is not necessary.

When can such a strong cut be made?

You should preferably carry out this maintenance measure at the beginning of the main growing season in spring. During this time the Dieffenbachia recovers very well and sprouts strong and healthy again.