Houseplant of the week: elephant’s foot

Why will I love it?
The elephant’s foot ( Dioscorea elephantipes ) adds character to any collection. Its bulbous caudex resembles an elephant’s foot or a tortoise’s shell. The caudex can grow very large and its textured bark makes it a stunning centrepiece.

Light or shade?
Elephant’s foot thrives in bright indirect to direct sunlight.

Where should I put it?
Place it in a bright, sunny spot such as on a south-facing windowsill or in a conservatory.

Related: Houseplant of the week: penwiper plant

How do I keep it alive?
This plant has an active growth phase and a dormant phase. During the active one – which starts around the end of October – thoroughly water it whenever the soil has dried out. Once it enters dormancy – when the leaves turn yellow and drop, and the vine dries up – reduce watering or stop altogether until you see new growth. Use a well-draining soil, such as sandy loam or a cactus mix, to prevent water from sitting around the roots. The plant’s caudex is prone to rot if kept too wet. Its ideal room temperature is 18-30C.

Did you know?
The plant is a member of the yam family. Unusually for a houseplant, it is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate plants.