What is included with the Dioscorea elephantipes Starter Kit?
The Dioscorea elephantipes Starter Kit is the perfect all in one solution for enthusiasts looking to start their caudiciform collection.
- 1 x Dioscorea elephantipes plant (~4cm caudex)
- 5 x Dioscorea elephantipes seeds
- 1 x 12cm Plastic Pot
- 1 x Bamboo Trellis
- 1 x 3L Bag of Dioscorea Mix
- 1 x Bottle of plant food
- 1 x Small Bag of Decorative Orange Desert Stones
Origin and Natural Habitat of Dioscorea elephantipes
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.
Soil Mixes
Dioscorea require growing mediums that are formulated specifically for them. We use our ‘EcoGrit Mix’ that ensures that water passes through quickly, preventing the root rot that often occurs with standard potting soils. The germination mix is the exact medium we use to germinate all our Dioscorea seed.
Care Guide
Light
Dioscorea elephantipes 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 similar to our EcoGrit Mix 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 mid-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. This species is not a true ‘winter grower’. They are generally dormant for a short period in summer, and grow during late summer, autumn, winter and early spring. In South Africa, they are generally dormant from October to mid January or early February.