Dioscorea Elephantipes (Elephant’s Foot)
- Posted to VIC, NSW, QLD and the ACT
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About this one
The Elephant’s Foot is a remarkable caudiciformed plant native to the dry valleys of South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape. Its swollen, corky caudex develops a beautifully cracked, geometric pattern resembling a tortoise shell, earning it the alternate name “Tortoise Plant.” In the wild, specimens can live for over 70 years and develop caudexes exceeding 1 metre in diameter.
From the caudex, slender twining vines emerge during the growing season, producing heart-shaped leaves that climb readily up a trellis or support. The plant enters dormancy during summer, dropping its foliage and relying on water stored in the caudex.
What You’ll Receive
An elephants foot grown on-site at Cactus Country. Appearance may vary from the image shown, each plant has a completely individual caudex pattern.
Small, 2-2.5cm diameter caudex
Medium, 7-10cm diameter caudex
Large, 10-15cm diameter caudex
Care Guide
- Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid harsh afternoon sun on young plants.
- Water: Water regularly during the growing season (autumn through spring) when vines and leaves are present. Reduce watering significantly when the plant enters summer dormancy and drops its leaves.
- Soil: Free-draining mix, combine equal parts coarse sand, perlite, and quality potting mix.
- Temperature: Tolerates light frost once established, but young seedlings should be protected from temperatures below 5°C.
- Growth rate: Slow. The caudex may take several years to develop its full tortoise-shell character, but the wait is well worth it.
