Origin and Natural Habitat
Dioscorea elephantipes is native to South Africa. It occurs in four distinct localities. One locality is in the Clanwilliam region in the Western Cape. The other three localities are in the Eastern Cape, specifically in the Uniondale, Graaff-Reinet and Willowmore areas.
Plants for sale are seedlings home-grown in the Living Desert Plants greenhouses. They will be sent in their pots.
Plant Characteristics
The ‘elephant’s foot plant’ is the most iconic and recognizable caudiciform succulent, with an attractive aboveground caudex resembling an elephant’s foot. The stem produces artistic fissures and cracks, which generally forms into short protrusions in mature plants. If properly cared for, these plants can reach ages of up to 70+ years in cultivation. The largest recorded specimen was more than 3 meters tall. Like most Dioscorea, this species is dioecious, which means that there are separate male and female plants. Both are needed to pollinate and produce seed. It is also deciduous, and will lose its leaves in summer.
It is also known as the ‘olifantvoet plant’ in Afrikaans. Other names include the Turtle Back plant, elephant’s foot yam, and Hottentots’ Bread plant.
Care Guide
Light
It prefers a lightly shaded location in the greenhouse. Avoid keeping the caudex in sun. In nature, Dioscorea seedlings generally grow at the base of large shrubs where they can receive enough light while still being somewhat protected from some of the sun’s harshness. Once they get older, they produce their own shade with their leaves and old stems. In cultivation, they should therefore be kept under at least 60% shade cloth. If they are being kept outdoors, but not in a greenhouse, then morning sun is suitable.
Soil
The ‘elephant foot plant’ requires a very well-draining soil mixture with plenty of gritty components. A medium with akadama and pumice is preferred.
Water
In cultivation, Dioscorea can be watered well during the cooler months, once it has grown its first leaves. However, keep completely dry in summer when it does not have leaves. Let the plant tell you when to water it: Water when it has leaves, keep it dry when it does not have leaves. This species is extremely prone to rot if it is watered when it is dormant.
Pot size
Dioscorea can grow quite large caudexes, and their pot size should accommodate for this. For the first 2-3 years of life, a 10cm pot will be sufficient. As they grow older, plant this species in a pot that is 5cm wider than its caudex to accommodate new growth. Deep pots are preferred, as they will grow more vigorously if their roots have room to expand into the soil. This species can be grown as garden plants in winter rainfall regions, but care should be taken to provide good quality, well-draining soil.
Temperature
Dioscorea elephantipes’ ideal temperature ranges between 15 – 25°C. It can tolerate -5 – 40°C. Young plants are susceptible to frost damage to both their caudex and leaves. It can only tolerate light frost when it is older. The caudex of older plants is semi-tolerant to frost, but the leaves are sensitive to cold.
Humidity
Dioscorea are sensitive to humidity due to their semi-arid natural habitat, and particularly so when dormant. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during summer. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing season
Dioscorea elephantipes has a semi-sporadic and opportunistic growing season which is influenced by weather and water. They are generally dormant for a short period in summer, and grow during autumn, winter and early spring.
Propagation
It is not possible to propagate Dioscorea elephantipes from cuttings. The only method to propagate this species is by sowing seed.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early autumn. Plant the seeds in a coco peat mix in an airtight container, and cover them with some sifted coco peat. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently water the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out. The container should be relatively deep to accommodate their root systems.