dieffenbachia

[ dee-fuhn-bak-ee-uh, -bah-kee-uh ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Dieffenbachia, of the arum family, native to tropical America, often cultivated as houseplants for their decorative foliage.

dieffenbachia

/ ˌdiːfənˈbækɪə /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical American evergreen perennial genus Dieffenbachia, some species of which are grown as pot plants for their handsome variegated foliage. The plants are poisonous and the sap is extremely acrid: family Araceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of dieffenbachia¹

< New Latin (1829), named after Ernst Dieffenbach (1811–55), German naturalist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of dieffenbachia¹

named after Ernst Dieffenbach (died 1855), German horticulturist

Example Sentences

Shown here, it’s paired with an 8-inch Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’ plant from Creature’s Plants & Coffee.

From Los Angeles Times

A potted Dieffenbachia rests on a chipped Craftsman toolbox, a nod to the Durans’ love for cars.

From Los Angeles Times

A potted Dieffenbachia rests on a chipped Craftsman toolbox, a nod to the Durans’ love for cars.

From Los Angeles Times

In this video, @theflyplantmama is going to show you how to prune the dead parts of a dieffenbachia plant that is no longer providing the life and nutrients that it needs to thrive.

From Los Angeles Times

Dumb cane, or Dieffenbachia maculata or seguine, is beloved for its highly decorative leaves tinged with yellow, cream and white.

From Los Angeles Times