Dioscorea Elephantipes - Large A (currently dormant)

$1,100.00

Dioscorea elephantipes - a remarkable caudiciform species native to South Africa, prized for its large, woody caudex patterned with thick, polygonal plates that resemble a tortoise shell or elephant’s foot. This slow-growing plant produces delicate, twining vines with heart-shaped green leaves during its winter growing season, going dormant in summer when the vines naturally die back. Highly sought after by collectors, Dioscorea elephantipes thrives in well-draining soil with bright light and careful watering, developing an increasingly sculptural and characterful caudex with age that makes each specimen unique.

Dioscorea elephantipes - a remarkable caudiciform species native to South Africa, prized for its large, woody caudex patterned with thick, polygonal plates that resemble a tortoise shell or elephant’s foot. This slow-growing plant produces delicate, twining vines with heart-shaped green leaves during its winter growing season, going dormant in summer when the vines naturally die back. Highly sought after by collectors, Dioscorea elephantipes thrives in well-draining soil with bright light and careful watering, developing an increasingly sculptural and characterful caudex with age that makes each specimen unique.

🌞 Light

  • Prefers bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light.

  • Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch new leaves.

  • Indoors: place near a south or east-facing window. Outdoors: light shade or morning sun is ideal.

💧 Watering

  • Active growth (spring–summer): Water when the top inch of soil is dry. The caudex should never sit in wet soil.

  • Dormancy (fall–winter): After the vines and leaves die back, stop watering completely. Only mist or lightly water once every 4–6 weeks to prevent the caudex from shriveling.

  • Always use a pot with excellent drainage — overwatering is the main cause of failure.

🌵 Soil

  • Needs very well-draining, gritty soil — similar to a cactus or caudiciform mix.

  • Recommended blend:

    • 60–70% pumice, perlite, or coarse sand

    • 30–40% light organic matter (cactus mix or loam)

  • Avoid moisture-retentive soil like peat or coco coir.

🌡️ Temperature

  • Ideal temperature: 75–90°F (24–32°C) during growth.

  • Do not expose to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) — it is not frost-tolerant.

  • Likes warm, slightly dry air with good ventilation.

🍃 Fertilization

  • Feed once a month during active growth with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 strength).

  • Do not fertilize while dormant.

🪴 Container & Repotting

  • Use a shallow, porous pot (clay or terracotta) with large drainage holes.

  • Repot only when necessary — every 2–3 years, before new growth starts in spring.

  • Keep the caudex slightly above soil level to prevent rot and display its shape.

✂️ Maintenance

  • Let vines climb or trail naturally; prune dead growth at the start of dormancy.

  • Avoid disturbing the caudex — it’s slow-growing and easily damaged.

🌱 Propagation

  • Propagated from fresh seeds; germination requires warmth (80–85°F / 27–29°C) and steady moisture.

  • Caudex division is not recommended — each plant forms from a single tuber.