Dieffenbachia, commonly known as dumb cane or leopard lily, is a popular tropical perennial, prized for its striking foliage and relatively low maintenance requirements. These plants feature large, pointed, ovate leaves with a waxy texture, typically displaying attractive variegation in shades of green, cream, and white. They are relatively easy to care for, thriving in indirect light and needing watering only when the soil is mostly dry. Well-cared-for Dieffenbachia plants can grow to be quite large, sometimes reaching 6-7 feet tall. 

Key characteristics of Dieffenbachia:

Foliage: Large, pointed, ovate leaves with a waxy texture. The leaves are often variegated with white, cream, and different shades of green. 

Size: Can grow to be quite large, up to 6-7 feet tall, but can be kept smaller when grown indoors. 

Light: Prefers indirect light and can tolerate a range of light conditions. 

Watering: Needs to be watered when the top layer of soil is dry. 

Toxicity: All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested, causing irritation and temporary loss of speech according to Garden Design. 

Other Names: Dumb Cane, Leopard Lily. 

Flowers: May produce white or cream-colored flowers (spathe and spadix), but they are not the main attraction.