Dioscorea elephantipes

Dioscorea Elephantipes is also called turtle plant and belongs to the caudex plants. The so-called caudex is the plant's broadened, tough shoot axis, into which it can retreat in times of drought. This ensures the survival of the plants in extreme habitats such as deserts.

Dioscorea Elephantipes is highly sought after for its special caudex, which resembles a turtle shell or elephant skin. Since it is accustomed to dry periods in nature, even as a houseplant it only sprouts its small, heart-shaped leaves at certain times, usually in spring and fall. When the leaves die, the plant indicates its next dormant season. The caudex can reach a diameter of up to one meter in nature!

Habitat: Bright and sunny, in summer also protected outdoors possible, but not in full sun. In winter a little cooler.

Water requirements: Keep evenly moist during the growing season, dry during the dormant season.

Humidity: No special requirements.

Substrate: Loose, well-drained soil (e.g. cactus soil). In the growing season can be fertilized weakly (!).

Toxicity: Non-toxic.