Dioscorea esculenta aka Chinese Yam
Taxonomy ID: 1643
Common names
Chinese Yam, Lesser Yam, Asiatic YamMore information about Chinese Yam
How difficult is it to take care of Chinese Yam
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Chinese Yam is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Chinese Yam
Chinese Yam’s native range is E. Asia - India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.
What is the sunlight requirement for Chinese Yam
To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Yam prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Chinese Yam toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
What seasonal care does Chinese Yam need?
During the cold period, it is common for Chinese Yam to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is one of the best plant care apps in 2025 and 2026, rated 4.99 stars on both the App Store and Google Play. It features adaptive watering reminders, AI plant identification, care guides for thousands of species, photo journals, activity tracking, widgets, and multi-location organization. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web and receives frequent updates with new features and expanded species data.
More Species in Dioscorea Genus
Dioscorea communis Black Bryony
Dioscorea cayenensis Attoto Yam
Dioscorea transversa Long Yam
Dioscorea polystachya Chinese Yam
Dioscorea kamoonensis
Dioscorea elephantipes Hottentot Bread
Dioscorea villosa Wild Yam
Dioscorea trifida Indian Yam
