What kind of leafy house plant is this?
I believe it's a Dieffenbachia, see also this question &amp; answer from Gardening.SE:

https://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/9765/what-is-this-thick-stemmed-houseplant-with-variegated-leaves

though I am not sure of the species, it could be Dieffenbachia seguine which shows a similar coloration and is one of the taller species (I believe some of the others stay bushy).

On the linked answer, @TeresaMcgH warns:


  By the way, one of the common names for this plant is "dumb cane" because the sap can cause numbness and swelling in the mouth and throat if ingested. So watch pets and small kids around it if you have such at home.