Expert: nick mccann - 3/11/2008

Question
I have had my diffenbachia for several months.  I had surgery  the 1st of Jan. and others were caring for my plants...my beautiful dumb cane has now developed root/stem rot.  I have cut off the top portion of the main stalk and am trying to root it.  Have thrown out the rest of the plant. :( My question is how often you should water?  I think I had just been "lucky" in not over watering the poor dear.  My pot has a drain tray, should there not be water standing in the tray when I initially water?  I do not want to kill another one of these beautiful plants!
Thanks for any suggestions you can give for future use.
Sherry

Answer
Hi Sherry, sorry to hear about this:(...lets see if we can't turn things for you, first you don't want it in water, you want the cut portion in perlite, dampen the perlite (not watery) and keep the crown misted (nice if you could enclose the crown in a plastic bag to keep in moisture) this will prevent the bottom from rotting, and allow roots to develop into the perlite. the key is to keep the leaves moist not the roots. Good luck and anything else I can help you with horticulturally...just send..regards Nick:)