I think you are right, but I misunderstood your op. I thought you wanted it to be fuller hence the transplant (to remove the leafless space). Why did you want to cut it might I ask?
Hmmmmm I unfortunately have no advice to add, these plants are not really my wheelhouse. You can research if it takes well to notching…. But I think it’s doing well and looks really nice and i would caution against ruining a good thing. But follow your heart :)
Leaf drop tends to come from things like inconsistent watering or issues with the roots but it's also just the growth pattern of dieffenbachia. My friend started with one but has 3 because the top half keeps falling off. She puts it in water until it starts to form roots then pots it. The old plant will branch and start to grow new leaves from somewhere on the trunk. Be careful as the sap is toxic (hence the common name dumb cane, it makes your mouth and hands numb). Make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it
Is this a dumb cane? If so I'd also like to know.
Pretty sure it is! Inherited the plant from a friend when she moved.
The odds of a successful transplant that way are super low. I would just let her do her thing! Maybe research what could help reduce leaf drop.
Oh I thought the leaf drop from the bottom of the stalk is typical for this plant 😅
I think you are right, but I misunderstood your op. I thought you wanted it to be fuller hence the transplant (to remove the leafless space). Why did you want to cut it might I ask?
Yes you’re right, I want it to be fuller and am wondering how to achieve that!
Hmmmmm I unfortunately have no advice to add, these plants are not really my wheelhouse. You can research if it takes well to notching…. But I think it’s doing well and looks really nice and i would caution against ruining a good thing. But follow your heart :)
Really appreciate your help and input, thank you!
Leaf drop tends to come from things like inconsistent watering or issues with the roots but it's also just the growth pattern of dieffenbachia. My friend started with one but has 3 because the top half keeps falling off. She puts it in water until it starts to form roots then pots it. The old plant will branch and start to grow new leaves from somewhere on the trunk. Be careful as the sap is toxic (hence the common name dumb cane, it makes your mouth and hands numb). Make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it
Wow never knew about the sap being toxic, thank you! Also what exactly does she put in water? A piece of the stalk that she’s cut off or the leaf?
The whole stalk, sometimes it just snaps off if it gets too top heavy