{"product_id":"dioscorea-elephantipes-5-5cm-h10cm-nsf0001025","title":"Dioscorea elephantipes 5.5cm H10cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Formal Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dioscorea elephantipes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Nickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elephant’s Foot Yam\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots:\u003c\/strong\u003e A South African caudiciform species from the Cape region.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Vibe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Subtropical seasonal habitats where a water-storing caudex rests through dry periods and vines when conditions suit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c!--split--\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e She prefers very bright light with some gentle direct sun once acclimatised.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest Room:\u003c\/strong\u003e A sunny windowsill, warm shelf or bright conservatory-style space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSnacks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed sparingly during active growth with a weak cactus or succulent fertiliser.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTropical Feels:\u003c\/strong\u003e Average to dry home air suits her; avoid humid stagnant conditions around the caudex.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosy Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep her above 12°C and protect from cold wet compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThirst:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water according to active growth, letting the mix dry well between waterings and keeping drier while resting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafety First:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eUse caution\u003c\/em\u003e – keep away from pets and small hands, as unusual caudex plants should not be chewed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bedding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a gritty, sharply draining mix with plenty of mineral material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily Tree:\u003c\/strong\u003e Propagate by seed where possible; mature caudex plants are slow and should not be divided casually.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display with the caudex visible so its sculptural form can be enjoyed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed:\u003c\/strong\u003e A slow, characterful grower that changes with the seasons rather than rushing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUninvited Guests:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch for mealybugs and scale around stems, vines and the base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoving Day:\u003c\/strong\u003e Repot infrequently and keep the caudex sitting proud above the mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHaircut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trim dead vines or leaves after natural dieback, but avoid cutting into the caudex.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh Air:\u003c\/strong\u003e A sculptural curiosity plant with a strong collector feel and desert-botanical character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Lore:\u003c\/strong\u003e The cracked caudex pattern is why the plant is loved as “elephant’s foot” or tortoise-shell vine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Emm's Plant House","offers":[{"title":"5.5cm H10cm","offer_id":58085365121288,"sku":"NSF0001025","price":47.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/1339\/9560\/files\/IMG_2991-2.jpg?v=1782311037","url":"https:\/\/www.emmsplanthouse.co.uk\/products\/dioscorea-elephantipes-5-5cm-h10cm-nsf0001025","provider":"Emm's Plant House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}