Also known as Elephant's Foot · Hottentot-Bread · Turtle-Back Plant
Elephant's Foot Yam (Dioscorea elephantipes) is a unique succulent vine from South Africa, known for its massive, woody, caudex resembling an elephant's foot. It produces
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct sun, but protect from intense afternoon heat.
Allow soil to dry between waterings.
50% intensity
Reduce significantly during dormancy.
Well-draining
50% intensity
Warm during growth, cooler during dormancy.
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C during growth, and 10-15°C during dormancy.
Light feeding during growth.
25% intensity
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half, every 4-6 weeks. Cease during dormancy.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out considerably between waterings during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy, only providing a minimal amount to prevent the caudex from desiccating.
Overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
Pruning is generally not required. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves during the growing season to maintain aesthetics and allow the plant to focus energy on the caudex. Minimal intervention is best for this species.
Propagation is primarily done by seed, which requires patience. Sow seeds in well-draining, gritty compost and keep them warm and moist. Cuttings are very difficult to root and are not a common propagation method.
Repot only when necessary, typically every 2-3 years, during the spring before new growth emerges. Use a very gritty, well-draining soil mix. Ensure the caudex is barely covered or slightly exposed to prevent rot.
Handle the caudex with care.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Elephant's Foot Yam (Dioscorea elephantipes)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
| Species | Dioscorea elephantipes |
Similar in genus Dioscorea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
