Dioscorea elephantipes 'The Elephant's Foot' (Dormant)

Dioscorea elephantipes, commonly known as the Elephant's Foot or Turtle Back Plant, is a fascinating caudiciform succulent native to South Africa. This slow-growing plant develops a distinctive, cracked caudex that resembles the rugged bark of an elephant’s foot, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Distinctive Features:

• Large, woody caudex with a distinctive cracked surface resembling turtle shells.
• Vining, deciduous growth habit with twining stems that emerge seasonally.
• Heart-shaped, bright green leaves that appear during the growing season.
• Winter-growing species, going dormant in the hotter months.
• Can reach a caudex diameter of up to 60 cm with proper care over decades.
• Produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers when mature.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight with some direct exposure; ideal for a sunny windowsill or greenhouse.
• Water: Water sparingly during the active growth period (autumn to spring), allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy.
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels, making it suitable for drier indoor conditions.
• Media: Requires a well-draining, sandy or gritty mix; cactus or succulent soil with added perlite works well.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 10-25°C but can tolerate brief drops to 5°C. Protect from frost.
• Fertiliser: Feed with a diluted cactus fertiliser during the active growing season every 4-6 weeks.
• Repotting: Rarely needs repotting; only repot when the caudex outgrows its container.

Additional Notes:

• It is a slow-growing plant, taking many years to develop a large caudex.
• Prefers a deep pot to accommodate the underground portion of its root system.
• Growth cycle follows the southern hemisphere’s winter pattern; adjust care accordingly if growing in a different climate.
• Vining stems can be trained on a small trellis for an ornamental effect.
• Non-toxic to pets and humans, making it safe for indoor environments.

Dioscorea elephantipes is a truly remarkable plant, ideal for collectors who appreciate slow-growing, sculptural specimens. With its distinctive, cracked caudex and seasonal vining growth, it is a rewarding and unique addition to any succulent or caudiciform collection.