Dioscorea elephantipes 'The Elephant's Foot'

Dioscorea elephantipes, commonly known as Elephant’s Foot or Turtle Back Plant, is a South African caudiciform—a plant with a swollen, water-storing base called a caudex. With age, its corky surface develops distinctive raised plates and deep cracks. Seasonal climbing vines carry heart-shaped green leaves.

Plants are priced by caudex size, not vine length or foliage coverage. Please select your preferred size option. Caudex shape and surface texture vary naturally between plants, with younger plants generally showing less developed cracking.

Seasonal Growth and Dormancy

This species generally grows during the cooler months and rests during warmer weather. However, individual plants do not always follow a fixed calendar. Adjust care to the plant’s actual growth rather than the month alone.

As dormancy approaches, the leaves yellow and the vine gradually dries. This seasonal dieback is normal. Once the vine is completely dry, it can be removed.

Your plant may arrive with active foliage, a developing vine or a dormant caudex without leaves. Foliage coverage is not guaranteed and does not determine the size grade supplied.

Care

• Light: Provide bright light with gentle morning sun or filtered sunlight. Protect the exposed caudex from prolonged hot afternoon sun.
• Water during growth: While the plant is actively growing, water thoroughly and allow the mix to dry between waterings. Do not leave the pot standing in water.
• Water during dormancy: Reduce watering as the foliage dies back and keep the mix predominantly dry while the plant is leafless and resting. Resume watering cautiously when a new vine begins to grow.
• Growing mix: Use a very free-draining succulent mix with added pumice, perlite or coarse grit. Avoid dense mixes that remain wet for extended periods.
• Temperature: Protect from frost, extreme heat and prolonged cold, wet conditions.
• Support: Provide a small trellis or frame for the seasonal twining vine.
• Fertiliser: Feed lightly with a diluted fertiliser during active growth. Do not fertilise a dormant plant.
• Repotting: Repot when roots become crowded or the growing mix deteriorates. Choose a pot with drainage holes and avoid an unnecessarily large increase in pot size.

Key Characteristics

• Plant type: Deciduous caudiciform climber
• Origin: South Africa
• Caudex: Corky, water-storing base that develops increasingly pronounced plates with age
• Foliage: Seasonal heart-shaped green leaves
• Growth: Gradual caudex enlargement with seasonal vine growth
• Flowers: Small yellow-green flowers on mature plants
• Size grading: Based on caudex size, not pot size or vine length