A Guide to Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' Care: The Lush, Living Pattern

With its large, lush leaves and striking patterns, the Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' is a true statement piece that brings a touch of tropical elegance to any home. Each leaf is a work of art, featuring a beautiful creamy-yellow variegation that spreads across a backdrop of deep green. A classic for a reason, this plant's bold foliage is a brilliant way to add a sophisticated, natural focal point to your living space.

If you’ve recently welcomed one of these dramatic beauties into your home, here is our guide to keeping it happy and healthy.

The Golden Rules of Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' Care

1. Light: Bright, Filtered Light is Best Like many tropical plants, the Dieffenbachia thrives in bright, indirect light. Think of its native habitat on the jungle floor, where it gets filtered light through the canopy. Placing it in a spot that receives plenty of light, but no direct sun, will help maintain its vibrant variegation. Too much direct sun can scorch the delicate leaves, while too little light can cause its patterns to fade.

2. Watering: A Thirsty, Dramatic Plant The Dieffenbachia likes its soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. The key is to water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This plant can be a little dramatic when it’s thirsty—you might see its leaves droop noticeably. The good news is that it typically recovers very quickly once it's been given a good drink. Make sure you don't let it dry out too hard, as this can be stressful for the plant.

3. Humidity: A Must for Lushness Given its tropical roots, the Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' absolutely loves high humidity. This is the single most important factor for preventing those tell-tale brown, crispy leaf edges. To keep your plant's foliage lush and happy, mist its leaves regularly, group it with other humidity-loving plants, or place it near a humidifier.

4. Temperature & Environment: Avoid the Chill This plant prefers stable, warm temperatures, ideally between 18-24°C (65-75°F). It is very sensitive to cold draughts and sudden temperature changes, which can cause its leaves to curl or drop. Keep it away from cold windows and air conditioning vents.

5. Soil & Feeding: Rich & Well-Draining Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that allows for good aeration while still retaining some moisture. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks to support its growth.

Troubleshooting Your Dieffenbachia

• Drooping Leaves: A very common sign of underwatering. Check the soil, and if it's dry, give your plant a thorough soak. It should perk up within a few hours.

• Yellowing Leaves: If the lower leaves are turning yellow, it's often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings to prevent root issues.

• Brown Leaf Tips or Edges: This is a classic sign of low humidity or a sensitivity to the minerals and chemicals in your tap water. Try using filtered water and increase the humidity around the plant.

• Stunted Growth: If your plant isn't growing, it might not be getting enough light or nutrients. Ensure it is in a bright spot and that you are feeding it regularly during the growing season.

With its bold personality and easy-to-read signals, the Dieffenbachia 'Camilla' is a fantastic plant that will reward you with a magnificent display of living art.

Please note: The Dieffenbachia plant is considered toxic if ingested and can cause irritation. It should be kept out of reach of pets and small children.