Also known as Aerial Potato · Aerial Yam · Air Potato
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Air Yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) is a vigorous, twining vine producing edible aerial tubers. It's a tropical staple for its starchy bulbils.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect Light
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist during growth, reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-30°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate Feed
50% intensity
Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Bulbils and raw tubers are toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as this plant is susceptible to overwatering.
Prune to manage size and shape, and to remove any dead or damaged stems. This can be done after the growing season or before new growth emerges in spring. Pinching back young shoots can encourage bushier growth.
Propagate from bulbils (aerial tubers) that form on the stems. Plant these bulbils in well-draining soil in spring. They can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken during the growing season.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Air Yam (Dioscorea bulbifera)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
| Species | Dioscorea bulbifera |
Similar in genus Dioscorea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
