“I was fine until the sun got personal.”
This dieffenbachia most likely has sun scorch from too much direct light plus heat stress on the screened porch. The pale variegated leaves are bleaching, then turning tan and crispy, and the older leaves are collapsing first. In North Central Florida, even morning sun can be too intense if the plant is already heat-stressed or the porch traps warmth.
Move to gentler light and stabilize watering
Reduce light intensity right away and keep the root zone evenly moist, not soggy. Dieffenbachia prefers bright indirect light, not direct sun.
Also possible, but less likely
What would prove it
Watch for new damage versus recovery
Old scorched leaves will not heal, but new growth should emerge healthier if light and heat are the real issue. If new leaves keep crisping, check roots and watering next.
Turn this into a recovery case
One photo gives a diagnosis. Tracking proves whether the plant is recovering.
Don’t leave the diagnosis hanging 🌱
Save it now, then use the next photo to confirm if this was the right call.
Create account & save plant 🌱