Mark, a Dieffenbachia Mars, or Dumb Cane plant as it's more commonly known, is named so because the liquid that drips from its leaves can cause a temporary loss of speech if ingested - scary right?!
Native to Central and South America, Mark has large variegated leaves, that curl up from the middle of the stem before unfurling.
Mark was given his scientific name, Dieffenbachia, in the 1800s, honouring the head gardener of the Viennese Botanical Gardens, Joseph Dieffenbach.
Mark, Dieffenbachia Mars
Mark prefers indirect light to partial shade, without prolonged exposure to direct sun - a touch of morning sunlight wouldn’t go a miss.
If you’re not sure what level of light you have, check the shadows cast by your plant:
- Minimal shadow = lower light
- Half shadow = indirect light
- Full shadow = direct sun