Also known as A̱nya̱nyiat A̱da̱ngka̱li · Baataat · Batate
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous root. It is a perennial vine grown as an annual for its edible roots and leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and tuber production.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Sandy, Loam, Clay
50% intensity
Warm
100% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer, but avoid excessive nitrogen to promote tuber development.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sweet potatoes thrive with consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
In hot, dry weather, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain healthy growth and prevent wilting.
Pruning is generally not required for sweet potato production. However, you can trim overly long vines to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from overwhelming other plants.
This can also help redirect energy towards tuber development. Trim vines back to a desired length, cutting just above a leaf node.
Sweet potatoes are typically propagated from 'slips', which are sprouts that grow from mature tubers. Place tubers in a warm, bright location and wait for sprouts to emerge.
Once slips are about 15-20 cm long, carefully snap them off and root them in water or directly in moist soil.
Sweet potatoes are typically grown as annuals for their tubers and are not usually repotted. If grown as an ornamental for their foliage, repotting into a larger container is necessary as the plant grows.
Choose a pot with good drainage and fresh potting mix to accommodate the expanding root system.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Where Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Sweetpotato Virus Disease on Sweetpotato causes severe stunting with small narrow leaves, mottling, puckering, and vein clearing.
Root-knot Nematode on Sweetpotato causes swollen galls on roots, rough cracking on storage roots, and stunted yellowing plants.
Black Rot on Sweetpotato causes firm dark sunken spots on roots that enlarge in storage and can leave sprouts stunted or wilted.
Rhizopus Soft Rot on Sweetpotato causes a fast wet soft decay of wounded roots, often covered by white growth and black spores.
Streptomyces Soil Rot (Pox) on Sweetpotato causes circular sunken dark scabby lesions and can constrict or badly misshape roots.
Fusarium Root Rot on Sweetpotato causes dry sunken brown lesions with ring patterns, internal decay, and hollow cavities.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Ipomoea |
| Species | Ipomoea batatas |
Similar in genus Ipomoea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
