{"product_id":"dieffenbachia-crocodile-leopard-lily","title":"Dieffenbachia ‘Crocodile’ – Leopard Lily","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDieffenbachia\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Crocodile’ is an unusual tropical houseplant admired for its large, elongated leaves with distinctive textured edges and beautiful green colouring. Its foliage features a mix of deep and lighter green tones, with an irregular, slightly serrated appearance that gives the plant its crocodile-inspired name. With its bold, architectural leaves and upright growth habit, this striking Dieffenbachia makes a fantastic statement plant for any indoor collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDieffenbachia\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e ‘Crocodile’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eCrocodile Leopard Lily, Leopard Lily, Dieffenbachia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA cultivated ornamental Dieffenbachia. The genus is native to tropical regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean, where these plants grow in warm, humid forest environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light levels. Avoid strong direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage. A position near an east-facing window or slightly back from a bright south or west-facing window is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater when the top few centimetres of soil have dried, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Keep the compost lightly moist during active growth but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering slightly during autumn and winter when growth slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50–70%. Higher humidity helps maintain healthy foliage and prevent crispy leaf edges. Keep away from radiators and other sources of hot, dry air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse a rich, airy and well-draining houseplant mix. A combination of peat-free compost, perlite and fine orchid bark works well, allowing the roots to retain some moisture while maintaining good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and prolonged temperatures below 15°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Dieffenbachias contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause significant irritation if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children, and avoid contact with the sap when pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive your ‘Crocodile’ plenty of bright, indirect light to encourage healthy growth and maintain its beautiful leaf markings. Rotate the pot occasionally to promote even growth, and gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIf older lower leaves begin to yellow occasionally, this can be a natural part of the plant’s growth. However, widespread yellowing may indicate overwatering or insufficient light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Crocodile’ develops an upright growth habit with large, decorative leaves that become increasingly impressive as the plant matures. Its unusual leaf shape and textured edges distinguish it from more familiar Dieffenbachia varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMature plants may occasionally produce small flowers consisting of a spadix surrounded by a spathe, although it is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDieffenbachias are commonly known as Dumb Canes because their sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause temporary swelling and irritation of the mouth and throat if ingested, potentially making speaking difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eThe name ‘Crocodile’ refers to the plant’s distinctive leaf shape and textured edges, which resemble the rugged appearance of crocodile skin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"6cm","offer_id":58915383968125,"sku":"2932949562971","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/IMG_5639-12.jpg?v=1792753969","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/de\/products\/dieffenbachia-crocodile-leopard-lily","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}