1 4

Dioscorea elephantipes 5.5cm H10cm

Dioscorea elephantipes 5.5cm H10cm
£47.00 GBP
£47.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Pot Size

Meet Dioscorea elephantipes—the tortoise-shell treasure. A cracked woody caudex sits like a tiny ancient sculpture while delicate vines appear during active growth. Strange, slow and completely fascinating, she is a true collector plant for bright careful growers.

  • The Formal Name: Dioscorea elephantipes
  • The Nickname: Elephant’s Foot Yam
  • Roots: A South African caudiciform species from the Cape region.
  • Natural Vibe: Subtropical seasonal habitats where a water-storing caudex rests through dry periods and vines when conditions suit.

Care Guide
  • Care Guide:
  • Sunlight: She prefers very bright light with some gentle direct sun once acclimatised.
  • Best Room: A sunny windowsill, warm shelf or bright conservatory-style space.
  • Snacks: Feed sparingly during active growth with a weak cactus or succulent fertiliser.
  • Tropical Feels: Average to dry home air suits her; avoid humid stagnant conditions around the caudex.
  • Cosy Factor: Keep her above 12°C and protect from cold wet compost.
  • Thirst: Water according to active growth, letting the mix dry well between waterings and keeping drier while resting.
  • Safety First: Use caution – keep away from pets and small hands, as unusual caudex plants should not be chewed.
  • The Bedding: Use a gritty, sharply draining mix with plenty of mineral material.
  • Family Tree: Propagate by seed where possible; mature caudex plants are slow and should not be divided casually.
  • Space Needs: Display with the caudex visible so its sculptural form can be enjoyed.
  • Speed: A slow, characterful grower that changes with the seasons rather than rushing.
  • Uninvited Guests: Watch for mealybugs and scale around stems, vines and the base.
  • Moving Day: Repot infrequently and keep the caudex sitting proud above the mix.
  • Haircut: Trim dead vines or leaves after natural dieback, but avoid cutting into the caudex.
  • Fresh Air: A sculptural curiosity plant with a strong collector feel and desert-botanical character.
  • Plant Lore: The cracked caudex pattern is why the plant is loved as “elephant’s foot” or tortoise-shell vine.
    • View full details