Dioscorea elephantipes

Dioscorea elephantipes is a perennial climbing or scrambling plant commonly call the ‘Elephant’s Foot Plant ‘.

It is long lived and over time forms a large woody caudex or tuber above the ground. It is grown as much for the large woody caudex as it is for the foliage.

From South Africa it also has a few common names, Elephants foot plant, Tortoise Shell Dragon Plant (龟甲龙) and Hottentot bread are a few. 

This is a slow growing succulent that grows in winter and spring in its natural environment, it is dormant in summer and need very little water over this period.

Foliage dies back during summer dormancy with only the large woody caudex being visible.

In winter the new growth commences with heart shaped leaves appearing on long vines or stems.

Growth rate is reasonably slow however a large caudex to around 15 cm can be achieved in 5 – 7 years in good conditions.

Being summer deciduous this is a drought tolerant plant that actually requires a dry summer. The growth period is from late summer through winter into spring.

How to Grow and Care For Dioscorea elephantipes

This is a plant that requires a hot dry summer to grow well it also needs protection from frosts and freezes.

Drainage Light and watering are the key to growing this amazing succulent successfully.

• Plant in  a container using a specialist cactus and succulent potting mix with 20 – 20 pumice mixed through to ensure good drainage.
• Allowed the soil to dry between waterings and it is the soil around the woody caudex that is watered, not the caudex itself.
• Fertilise during active growth periods with a 25% strength solution of a liquid fertiliser, seaweed and fish emulsion is ideal.
• As the old foliage dies back you can prune it right down to the caudex itself.
• Provide support the long stems that appear from the caudex in late summer.

Light & Position

• Prefers bright filtered light or morning sun + afternoon shade
• Can handle several hours of direct sun once acclimatised
• Indoors: place near the brightest window (north-facing in AU)

Avoid:

• Deep shade (weak growth)
• Full hot afternoon sun on young plants

Temperature & Hardiness

• Prefers 10–25°C
• Protect from frost (<5°C)
• Keep dry if exposed to cold

Watering Schedule

This plant has a distinct winter growth cycle.

Active Growth (Autumn–Spring)

• Water when the soil is nearly dry
• Typical frequency: every 7–14 days depending on pot size and climate
• Avoid standing water or soggy soil

Dormancy (Summer)

• Vines yellow and die back — this is normal
• Reduce watering drastically:
  • Established plants: Do not water or water once a month lightly
  • Young seedlings: keep barely moist but never wet

Signs of underwatering

• Caudex appears slightly wrinkled

Signs of overwatering

• Caudex softening (urgent!)
• Soil remaining wet for more than 2 days
• Vine wilting while soil is moist (root rot risk)

Soil & Potting

Ideal Soil Mix (Very Free-Draining)

Use a gritty succulent/caudiciform mix. Example recipe:

• 40% cactus/succulent mix
• 30% pumice or scoria
• 20% coarse river sand
• 10% perlite or small gravel

Optional:

• Add a top dressing of gravel to keep the caudex dry
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6–7) is ideal

Pot Choice

• Use terracotta for best drying
• Choose a pot slightly larger than the caudex
• Ensure large drainage holes

Repotting

As the caudex gets larger you will need to repot. Make sure that you use a pot that is just a little larger than the caudex itself, around 1/3 the diameter of the caudex larger is ideal.

• Every 2–4 years
• Reposition the caudex so the top is partially exposed
• Repot just before growth resumes (early autumn)

Watch This Video on Repotting and General Care

Dormancy (Important!)

Dioscorea elephantipes is summer dormant.

Signs dormancy is starting

• Vine yellows
• Leaves drop
• Growth stops completely

Care during dormancy

• Keep the plant in bright light, dry soil
• Withhold fertiliser
• Water lightly only if the caudex severely shrivels
• Avoid excessive heat, but protect from cold + rain

When growth returns

• Typically early autumn
• New shoots appear at the top of the caudex
• Resume gentle watering once growth is visible

Dioscorea elephantipes Propagation

Usually from seed which are sown into seed trays and covered with a free draining potting mix. As Dioscorea elephantipes are dioecious you need both male and female plants for seed. This a plant that does not grow from cuttings.

Plant seeds at around 2.5 cm deep and water in once.

Top Tips for Growing Your Elephant’s Foot Plant

• The best soil is a well drained open soil. In containers consider adding good amounts of gravel, pumice or perlite.
  
• The root system grows around the edge of the caudex with the centre being almost hollow. A top dressing with gravel or Akadama can help protect the root system.
  
• Temperature range is best above 18C 64F in the daytime for optimal growth.
  
• Don’t overwater when the plant is dormancy

Quick Care Summary

Requirement	Summary
Common Names	Elephant’s Foot, Hottentot Bread
Botanical Name	Dioscorea elephantipes
Plant Type	Caudiciform, drought-tolerant
Light	Bright light; some direct sun
Water	Regular watering in winter growth; minimal to none in summer dormancy
Soil	Very free-draining, gritty mix
Temperature	Frost-sensitive (min ~5°C)
Dormancy	Summer dormant (leaves die back)
Propagation	Seed

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Summary Information

• Botanical Name – Dioscorea elephantipes
• Common Name – Elephant’s Foot Plant, Hottentot bread, Tortoise Shell Dragon Plant. 
• Family – Dioscorea
• Origins – Southern Africa
• Height – The vine will climb to around 1 metre in height.
• Spread – The woody caudex will reach around 45 cm across over time
• Growth rate – Slow.
• Position – Full sun.
• Soil – Free draining
• Flowers – Small yellow to pink.
• Flowering Time – Late summer
• Foliage – Mid to deep green.
• Frost tolerant – Yes
• Drought tolerant – Yes

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