The Marvelous Journey of Growing a Dioscorea Elephantipes Plant from Seed

To successfully germinate Dioscorea seeds (you can find your seeds here), you'll need a substrate that provides good drainage, similar to the one used for cacti. You can either purchase a pre-made cactus substrate or make your own by combining 1/3 garden soil, 1/3 sand (with granulation up to 2mm), and 1/3 perlite (using smaller pebbles up to 0.2 inches (5mm) or brick pieces, tiles, etc.). The perlite is important for ensuring proper drainage, which is essential since this plant forms a caudex that can easily rot with prolonged exposure to standing water.

After preparing the substrate, sterilize it to prevent bacterial growth. You can sterilize it using boiling water, fungicide, or by baking it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes or in the microwave for 3 minutes. Once sterilized, allow the substrate to cool.

When it comes to planting containers, they don't need to be too deep - about 2 inches (5cm) will suffice. If the container is as wide as it is deep, you can plant up to 3 seeds in one container. If using wider containers, you can plant more seeds. Just be sure to create drainage holes in the bottom.

Fill the container with the substrate, leaving about 0.8 inches (2cm) of space at the top. Water the substrate, using rainwater or aged tap water, until it is moist but not waterlogged. Tap the soil lightly to help settle it, and let any excess water drain.

Before planting the seeds, remove any "wings" on them, as they serve no purpose. Create holes in the substrate about 0.4 inches (1cm) deep and place the seeds inside, burying them in the soil. Make sure the seeds are covered with substrate, or they may not be able to germinate.

Keep the substrate moist by covering the container with a transparent foil, plastic bag, or glass. You can even use bags with a zip opener. Open the container daily for about 20 minutes to ventilate it.

Place the container on an east-facing window in a room with a temperature around 68°F (20°C). Slight temperature variations won't harm the plant. The best time to plant Dioscorea seeds is during the fall, and germination typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

After most of the seeds germinate, uncover the container and protect the seedlings from direct sunlight. Spray the plants with water daily. During the first year, growth will be slow as the plant develops its caudex, which will be about the size of a pea. After a year, growth will pick up, and you can transfer the young plants into separate containers. About 8 months after germination, the plant will develop a caudex the size of a coin.

To care for your Dioscorea plant, keep it in a mild shadow, as it doesn't tolerate direct sunlight, especially young plants that haven't yet developed their caudex. A good substrate with adequate drainage is essential for development, and you should water the plant regularly during the summer months, waiting for the soil to dry completely before watering again. It's recommended to repot the plant every few years, gradually raising the caudex each time to ensure it gets enough light. During the winter, gradually reduce watering until the leaves start turning yellow and falling off, and then move the pot to a cool room for hibernation.

Dioscorea elephantipes, also known as the "Elephant's Foot" or "Hottentot Bread," or Turtle back is a unique and fascinating species of yam. Native to South Africa, it has become increasingly popular among collectors and gardeners alike due to its unusual appearance and low maintenance requirements.

One of the most striking features of D. elephantipes is its massive, gnarled stem, which can grow up to 1 meter in diameter and 2 meters in length. This stem is typically partially or fully buried in the ground, with only the top portion visible above the soil. The stem is covered in a rough, bark-like texture and has a grayish-brown color, giving it the appearance of an elephant's foot.

The leaves of D. elephantipes are heart-shaped and can grow up to 25 centimeters in length. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not particularly showy, but are still an interesting addition to the plant.

D. elephantipes is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions, including full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water. The plant is relatively slow-growing, but can eventually reach a height of around 2 meters.

One interesting fact about D. elephantipes is that the stem is used by indigenous peoples in South Africa as a source of water during times of drought. They cut off the top portion of the stem and extract the water from the inside.

Another interesting fact is that the plant is considered to be a symbol of fertility and abundance in some African cultures, and is sometimes used in traditional medicine for this reason.

Overall, D. elephantipes is a fascinating and unique plant that is sure to draw attention in any garden or collection. Its distinctive appearance and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Dioscorea elephantipes - www.rareplant.me photo