About John Cash Expertise I can identify most cultivated ornamental plants both tropical plants and landscaping varieties depending on how much information I am given. I can also identify most native wild plants of the US at least to the Family and Genus. For the best chance of identification, I need pictures of leaves, stem, flowers, and fruit or seed. Send your pictures to john@arklatexwatergardens.com. I will answer your questions on AllExperts. Please make sure you size your pictures before you send them. Large pictures are VERY SLOW to download.
Experience I have been in the nursery/garden center business since 1976. I am an exotic plant collector and ornamental plant grower. I have studied plant identification all over the South East United States and in tropical Pacific coast Mexico.
Education/Credentials I have a B.S. Degree in Horticulture, a B.S. Degree in Botany with an emphasis on Taxonomy (plant identification) and a Master's degree in Floriculture (ornamental horticulture).
Expert: John Cash Date: 6/6/2007 Subject: Unknown houseplant
Question I was given a plant and I have no idea what kind of plant it is or how to take care of it. all I know is that it grows from clippings. it has broad green leaves with white centers. It has thick stems the kind of like like a palm but it does not have the palm type leaves and it has 3 "trunks" for a lack of a better name. I have pictures of it if someone will tell me where to send it.
Answer David,
What you have there is probably a Dieffenbachia or dumb cane. The exact variety is impossible to tell, even with a picture. There are many many new varieties coming out every year.
It's a really easy to grow houseplant, just keep the pets and kids away from it. The sap in it contains calcium oxalate crystals. These microscopic crystals are needle shaped and will stick in your throat if you swallow them and cause your throat to swell. A mild case will make you unable to speak. Hence the name, dumb cane. A severe case will swell your throat closed you will suffocate.
