17 Stunning Dieffenbachia Varieties to Grow Indoors

Dieffenbachia is both the common and botanical name for these plants. Also called dumbcanes, their genus name is Dieffenbachia. The species and their cultivars originate from tropical countries in South America and the Caribbean Islands. You’ll see them growing wild in countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Brazil. 

Because of their popularity, plant breeders and collectors created dozens of dieffenbachia varieties to sell worldwide. The plants struggle outdoors in cold zones but thrive in conditions common within our homes. They like warm temperatures, filtered light, and consistent moisture.

Unlike tall types, ‘Camille’ stays between two and three feet tall. Its variegation differs depending on how much light it gets; start cultivating it under filtered sunlight, and transition it to a brighter location to see how the foliage reacts. Avoid direct sunlight—it can cause scorching or burning on indoor specimens. 

‘Cheetah’ looks just like its name suggests—the leaves have yellow speckles on green backgrounds, creating variegation that looks like cheetah skin! The spots are from a genetic mutation that leads to random, yellow spotting instead of normal green colors. 

Like Camille, the ‘Cheetah’ dumbcane matures between two and three feet. It may grow longer in shady areas, where the stems elongate due to low light. Provide bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day to avoid legginess and spindliness.

‘Compacta’ is as small as its name suggests! It stays under three feet tall, with lush, speckled leaves that stand out from other cultivars. Lime edges adorn the foliage and the centers have cream-yellow and green specks. 

This dieffenbachia variety is ideal for offices, living rooms, and bathrooms. The small stature and compact foliage easily tuck in tight spaces. If you have a large container, you can also try planting ‘Compacta’ with small varieties that complement each other.

This dumbcane is truly exotic! Its variegation is more irregular than other varieties. The leaves unfurl from the center, exposing their white ribs, green-white specks, and greenish margins. If you can’t find it online or at your local plant nursery, try searching for ‘Arvida.’ It’s another name for the same plant. 

Young specimens may not have many spots or different colors. As they mature, their foliage will grow the colors and patterns you expect to see. Provide bright, filtered sunlight to encourage more colors and spots; consider adding plant grow lights to boost brightness in dark rooms with little natural sunlight. 

‘Hilo’ leaf colors are different than most other types. The leaves display forest green backgrounds with lime variegation scattered on top. Under enough light, the leaves display white midribs and veins. They’re highly decorative, adding an ornamental flair to lit rooms.

This dumbcane displays more variegation the more light it receives. Provide it with filtered or indirect sunlight. Grow lights work well in dark rooms, though windows with sheer curtains are the best spots for ample growth. 

This cultivar looks like a honeydew melon! ‘Honeydew’ foliage is greenish, yellow, and white like the layers of a honeydew melon. The centers are a soft mix of white and yellow, while the margins are a bright greenish hue. As the leaves open up, their creamy centers expand outward and push the margins so they’re thin.

Like ‘Compacta’ and ‘Camille,’ ‘Honeydew’ stays small, under two feet tall. This dieffenbachia variety is ideal for tucking in small spaces, though it also grows well as a specimen piece on a countertop or table. Eye-catching, it’ll have visitors asking you, “What’s that gorgeous plant?”

Growers with lots of space should consider a ‘Mary’ dumbcane or two. The specimens reach six feet or taller when they’re happy. They often have many stems sprouting from the base; the roots grow new shoots from the soil, and cut stems sprout two new shoots from their wounds. 

‘Mary’ foliage is the number one reason to buy this cultivar. The pointed, lance-like leaves are perky as they grow. They unfurl with full color, rather than sprouting green and gaining more color as they age. The centers are creamy white-yellow with white ribs, while the margins are green with white speckles. 

‘Memoria Corsii’ shines like the sun! Its white, yellow, and lime spots stand out from other varieties. The irregular markings vary depending on how much sunlight they receive. Grant them filtered, bright conditions throughout the day for the best coloration. 

Standing under four feet tall, mature ‘Memoria Corsii’ plants work well in a wide range of spaces. If they grow too tall, snip off the overgrown stems and let the wounds heal and form new shoots. You can propagate the cut stems easily using water or soil. 

‘Perfection’ is quite perfect. It has the longest leaves of most types—they’ll reach eight inches long in well-lit spaces. They reveal intense spotting and patterning as they unfurl with lime, yellow, and white shades. 

Though this dieffenbachia variety typically reaches four feet tall, it can grow higher in optimal conditions. Dumbcanes often reach eight feet or taller in the wild, growing like small trees! If your specimen grows too tall, simply snip the stems and propagate or compost them. 

This kind is perfect for growing in Puerto Rico! Though it thrives on the island outdoors, this variety also grows well in indoor spaces. Taller than most others, ‘Puerto Rico’ specimens reach six feet or higher when they have filtered sunlight most of the day. 

‘Puerto Rico’ sports dark forest green and yellow leaves. On top of the light yellow spots are brushes of lime hues. The trio of colors creates a stunning combination when they grow together on the foliage.

‘Reflector’ used to be a collector’s plant—it was incredibly expensive! Nowadays, it’s more commonly available and cheaper to purchase. Its popularity is for good reason; its lush, tropical foliage has spots of white and yellow iridescence that shine under bright sunlight. 

Though this plant prefers filtered sunlight, it’ll tolerate some direct sunlight during the day. Don’t give it too much or the leaves will scorch and burn! Aim for less than an hour of uninterrupted direct sunlight or two hours of small, broken periods throughout the day. 

‘Rudolph Roehrs’ is one of the most popular dumbcanes in North American homes. You’ll recognize its characteristic yellow-white leaves with green midribs and margins. Unlike most other varieties, this type lacks intense variegation and spotting. It’s a lovely cultivar that adds subtle charm to indoor spaces.

Because of its popularity, ‘Rudolph Roehrs’ is commonly available at most houseplant shops and plant nurseries. Try searching boutiques online if you can’t find the plant locally.

‘Sterling’ is an elegant houseplant deserving of its name. As precious as sterling silver, this cultivar spectacularly blends white and green hues. The leaf veins and midribs are white, while the rest of the leaf is deep green. New and old leaves have coloration with a surprising level of consistency.

Because this cultivar has more green parts than most others, it photosynthesizes well in dark spaces. Give it filtered sunlight for most of the day and keep it out of direct sun rays. 

‘Superba’ stuns onlookers with white variegation. The thick leaves are hardier than other cultivars, making this the perfect type for clumsy growers who bump into their plants! I know I’m guilty of it. Rather than snapping, the foliage stays perky and taught. 

Because of its thick leaves, ‘Superba’ is the ideal dumbcane for propagating. The foliage resists water loss, allowing cuttings to sprout roots and new shoots in soil or water. Water propagation makes it easier to grow cuttings, though soil propagation needs less work since you don’t have to transplant the rooted specimens from water to soil. 

‘Tropical Tiki’ is a variation of ‘Memoria Corsii’ with greenish leaves and sparse white speckling. Its leaves are lance-shaped and pointy, sprouting in dense clusters along the stems. A good candidate for greenhouses and sunrooms, ‘Tropical Tiki’ is a good choice for expert growers with experience cultivating dumbcanes.

Don’t let that scare you away! Beginner gardens can also successfully grow ‘Tropical Tiki.’ Ensure your specimen has regular water, filtered sun rays or grow lights, and warm temperatures. It’ll benefit from extra humidity from humidifiers or pebble trays. 

‘Tropic Marianne’ has more yellow in its leaves than other dumbcanes! It’s perfect for your home if you love yellow more than green. The thin leaf margins are dark green, the midribs are white, and the rest of the parts are yellow.  

Though this type has yellow leaves, other green-leaved cultivars should not display yellowing or discoloration. Ensure you know what color your cultivar should display. That way, if the yellowing is a real issue, you can fix it.

‘Tropic Snow’ is similar to ‘Tropic Marianne,’ though it has more variegation, patterns, and spots. Its foliage is greenish at the edges and lighter in the center, with lime specks on top of creamy white-yellow. The leaves are light in color as they unfurl and darken while they mature.

‘Tropic Snow’ is a tall variety that reaches six feet or higher under perfect conditions. Grant your specimen indirect sunlight or grow lights, and water it after the soil dries to maintain consistent moisture. Propagate mature plants with cuttings, divisions, or air-layering.