Family: Araceae
Common Name: Dumb Cane

Originating from tropical America, these ever-green perennials, being valued for their decora­tive foliage, are grown as pot plants in frost-prone climates, in a warm greenhouse or con­servatory, or as house plants. The large, oval leaves, radiating outwards and downwards from the central stem, are patterned in green, white, yellow or cream in a variety of streaks, splashes, spots and lines. All parts of the plants are poisonous, the sap causing swelling of the mouth and tongue.

Species

D. amoena is a robust species, to 2 m (6 ft) or more, with 1 m (3 ft) long leaves, marked with cream.

D. maculata is very vari­able, but most commonly has 20 cm (8 in) long leaves with masses of cream markings. Cultivar 'Rudolph Roehrs' has pale yellowish green leaves with dark green midribs and margins and ivory veins. Many species, including D. amoena and D. maculata, now appear to be grouped with D. seguine. Few straight species are regularly offered for sale. Most gar­deners grow one or more of the large range of cultivars readily available.

Cultivation

Provide a humid, moist environ­ment, but water sparingly in winter. Propagate by stem cuttings taken in spring and autumn, and struck in shade in a sharp sand mix. Trim off leaves from cuttings to avoid moisture loss. Some species can also be easily propagated from basal suckers.

Climate

Zone 10.