Dioscorea elephantipes aka Hottentot Bread
Taxonomy
Dioscorea elephantipes, commonly known as the elephant's foot or Hottentot bread, is an easily recognizable perennial plant species of the Araceae family. It comes from semiarid areas in Southern Africa and is known for its sharp, specific flavor. Hottentot Bread is a relatively rare houseplant that thrives when given regular watering and direct light less than one foot from a window. Plant parents describe this species as a fast-growing survivor that needs well-draining soil and the occasional supplementation with a gentle, organic fertilizer.
Common names
Hottentot Bread, Elephant's Foot, Elephant's Foot Yam, Turtle Back PlantHow to care for Hottentot Bread
Difficulty
Caring for Hottentot Bread is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Hottentot Bread should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Hottentot Bread loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Hottentot Bread requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Elephant's Foot is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Dioscorea Genus

Dioscorea trifida Indian Yam
Dioscorea kamoonensis

Dioscorea esculenta Chinese Yam

Dioscorea deltoidea Dioscorea
Dioscorea cayenensis Attoto Yam

Dioscorea polystachya Chinese Yam

Dioscorea transversa Long Yam

Dioscorea communis Black Bryony
Dioscorea tokoro
