What is the plant with me-nobody-can
if you are a plant loveryou’ve probably heard of the Dieffenbachia – or Nobody can with me, as it is better known. The species is widely used in interior decoration due to your low light tolerance and low relative humidity. Super rustic and resistant, it is ideal for first-time gardeners.
Native to Colombia and Costa Rica, the plant is surrounded by myths and beliefs: it is believed to be able to ward off negative energies. For the more esoteric and superstitious residents, it could be the plant that was missing for a more welcoming home, free from the evil eye.
Their size depends on the species chosen for cultivation – some develop flowers and fruitsshaped like berries, similar to flowers known as glass of milk, usually in summer.
Do you want to know more about the species, how to cultivate it and how to apply it in the decor? Check out:
Why does the plant have that name?
The term “with me-nobody-can” does not exist by chance and refers to his toxicity. Due to its properties, it must be kept out of reach of pets and children.
In the United States, the species is known as dumbcane (“dumb cane”), as many patients temporarily lose the ability to speak due to obstruction of the upper airways caused by the inflammatory process triggered by the toxic elements of the plant.
Is the plant with me-nobody-can be poisonous?
Because they are showy, the leaves of the me-nobody-can attract the attention of children, especially those who are in the crawling phase. They usually take the vegetable to their mouth. But, in the region of leaves and stem, the plant has cells called idioblastswhich hold a number of small, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals called raphides.
When taking the plant to the mouth for chewing, the idioblasts inject the raphides into the child’s lips and tongue, creating a great irritation characterized by severe pain and swelling. It also affects the digestive system and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Furthermore, according to an alert published in the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Dermatologycalcium oxalate – a substance present in me-no-one-can –, when ingested, can cause swelling in the throat, leading to asphyxiation and, in extreme cases, even death.
In cases of poisoning by the plant, seek medical help immediately.
Cultivation
Given the initial alert for mothers and fathers of children and pets, it’s time to talk about cultivation. The me-no-one-can does not require extreme attention and is very suitable for gardeners without experience, as it is very resistant. See some tips below:
How to plant with me-nobody-can
To plant the species, know that the lighting ideal is semi-shade. That is, you can position it indoors without any problem. But remember that one partial lighting, even if indirect, is still necessary. This way the plant can develop better and maintain its stained color, largely responsible for its beauty. Without light, spots can disappear.
The me-nobody-can also tolerate temperatures above 30°C and its cultivation is ideal for warmer places with high humidity. The most suitable temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C. But she can adapt to low temperatures of a maximum of 10°C.
As for watering, it’s worth checking the land: if the soil is dry, it’s time to water. But do not soak it, as this can cause the roots to rot. The soil needs to be rich in organic matter and have a good drainage capacity, to avoid the accumulation of water.
Choose a 1:1 ratio between sand and substrate. Also, for more efficient drainage, make a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot with gravel or expanded clay. Also make sure the pot has holes in the bottom.
A good substrate for me-nobody-can is a mixture of earth and sand, but compost, humus and manure can be used in moderation. As a fertilizer, use NPK in the ratio 10-10-10 once a year.
How to replant with me-nobody-can
The propagation of this plant is done with cuttings produced from pieces of pruned stems of the original plant. This stake can be placed in soil or water to take root.
Another way is to separate the buds that rise laterally to be planted in a new location. If possible, keep existing roots on shoots. If you can’t, do as with the stems and replant it so that you can create new ones.
How to change with me-nobody-can
To make seedlings, use the same process as for replanting. They can be placed in plastic disposable cups or paper. When she’s bigger, transplant her into a permanent vase. If you opted for the plastic cup, you will have to remove the plant; if you used the paper one, you can plant it directly in the vase or bed.
Make sure the roots aren’t suffocated – if they are, make slits in the paper cup so they can get out.
care
If the leaves start to to chicken out, one at a time, don’t despair – this is part of the plant’s life cycle. But if it occurs with several at once, it could mean you’re offering too much water.
To treat, space out the watering better and check that the roots are not rotten. Transplanting to a new pot may be necessary.
If the plant is getting brown, it may have been affected by a fungal disease called anthracnose. With it, the leaves have spots in their center and edges and end up dying. The disease occurs when the plant is in a place with excessive cold and humidity. If it happens to your plant, remove the diseased leaves and leave it in a well-lit and airy place.
distorted sheets, in turn, may indicate the presence of the mosaic virus, transmitted through the aphid. If infected, there is nothing you can do. Just discard the plant so it doesn’t pass it on to others.
Finally, rotten stems and roots can mean black rot, which occurs when the plant is exposed to very extreme temperatures. This can cause the plant to die very quickly, so remove the rotten parts as soon as possible.
What is the use of me-nobody-can
The me-nobody-can is considered a plant that brings good energy and, therefore, can be used in the Feng Shui: place it in external areas or at the entrance to the house to ward off the evil eye. In areas with a lot of coexistence, it can help to avoid conflicts.
Common plant sympathies with me-nobody-can
It is believed that the plant is able to ward off envy and bad luck. By being associated with spiritualitythere are several sympathies related to their species, such as this one:
First, plant a seedling of me-nobody-can in a vase and carefully drive two nails into the ground, one on each side of the plant. After that, place the plant in the entrance of your house and say the phrase “No one will put the evil eye in my house” three times. Finally, say the Our Father and the Hail Mary three times each. Don’t forget to wash your hands after having contact with the plant or use gloves.
Which environments match with me-nobody-can
Me-no-one-can be used in a variety of environments around the house. Many residents, as said, choose to place it in the Prohibited or in the outdoors, but the interior spaces can also benefit from its aesthetics. Check out some inspirations below: