Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) and Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) are often confused due to their shared tropical origins and striking, variegated foliage. Both are members of the Araceae family, but they belong to entirely distinct genera. Understanding the differences between them is important for providing appropriate care and managing the safety concerns associated with the Dumb Cane.
Clarifying the Confusion
A quick visual inspection of the foliage and growth habit reveals the differences between these two separate genera. Dieffenbachia is characterized by large, oval-shaped leaves that frequently display bold, marbled patterns of creamy white or yellow against a deep green backdrop.
Dieffenbachia plants tend to grow tall and fast, developing a thick, cane-like stem that can reach heights of three to six feet indoors. In contrast, Aglaonema plants maintain a more compact, bushy form, remaining shorter—typically between one and three feet—and spreading outward rather than upward. While both have variegated leaves, Aglaonema foliage is often more slender and elongated, featuring a wider range of colors that can include silver, pink, and red patterns. The stems of the Chinese Evergreen are generally hidden by the dense foliage.
The Critical Safety Concern
The most significant difference lies in the potential for harm, particularly the toxicity associated with Dieffenbachia. This plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, known as raphides, found throughout its tissues. When ingested, the raphides are ejected into the mouth and throat, causing immediate, intense pain and swelling.
The resulting swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat can cause temporary speechlessness, which is the reason for the plant’s common name, “Dumb Cane.” While Aglaonema also contains these oxalate crystals, they are generally less concentrated and less irritating. For households with small children or pets, keeping Dieffenbachia out of reach or choosing the less potent Aglaonema is a necessary precaution.
Essential Care Requirements
Both Dieffenbachia and Aglaonema share a preference for warm temperatures and high humidity, but their tolerance for light and water differs notably. Dieffenbachia requires bright, indirect light to maintain the vibrancy of its variegation; direct sun exposure will cause the leaves to scorch. The Dumb Cane thrives in consistently moist, but not saturated, soil and may droop if allowed to dry out excessively.
Aglaonema is more tolerant of lower light conditions, making it an excellent choice for shadier indoor locations. The Chinese Evergreen is more forgiving of occasional neglect and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings, which reduces the risk of root rot. Both plants prefer warm conditions, ideally between 65°F and 80°F, and benefit from increased humidity, which can be achieved by using a humidifier or placing them on a pebble tray. A well-draining potting mix is recommended for both to ensure adequate moisture retention without becoming waterlogged.
Expanding Your Collection
The methods for propagating these plants differ based on their structure. Dieffenbachia is most easily propagated using stem cuttings, which is useful for rejuvenating a plant that has become tall and leggy. A stem section, or “cane” cutting, should be taken from the main stem, cut into segments containing a few nodes, and then placed either horizontally or vertically in moist, well-draining soil or water to root.
Aglaonema, due to its clumping, bushy growth habit, is most commonly propagated through division, usually during repotting. The plant naturally produces small offshoots at its base, which can be carefully separated from the mother plant’s root ball. These offsets should only be separated if they have developed their own root system, allowing them to be potted individually to establish new plants.