Ipomoea batatas aka Sweetpotato

Taxonomy

The sweet potato, or Ipomoea batatas, is a dicotyledonous plant in the Convolvulaceae family. It is primarily grown for its large, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots, which are used as a root vegetable. The young shoots and leaves of the plant are sometimes eaten as greens. Sweet potatoes come in various flesh and skin colors, with cultivars bred for specific qualities. Although often called "yams" in North America, sweet potatoes are not related to true yams, which are monocots. The plant is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and is the only crop plant of major importance in the Convolvulaceae family. The genus Ipomoea, which includes sweet potatoes, also includes several garden flowers called morning glories. Some cultivars of I. batatas are grown as ornamental plants under the name tuberous morning glory. The sweet potato plant has been cultivated for around 2,000 years for its sweet tasting tubers. It is believed to have been brought to Europe by Columbus on his expedition. While the variety of sweet potato plant that produces edible tubers can be planted for its trailing vines, different variations have been cultivated specifically for their ornamental foliage. The ornamental sweet potato vine produces sweet potato tubers, but they are typically bland and bitter. It is important to note that it is not recommended to eat any element of a sweet potato vine that has not been specifically cultivated for food purposes, as it may have been treated with harmful pesticides. In addition to the tubers, the leaves of the sweet potato plant are edible and used in many dishes around the world. The sweet potato is a staple in cuisines from Africa to Southeast Asia and has been domesticated for over 5,000 years.

Common names

Sweetpotato, Imbambaila, Anyanyiat Adangkali, Yam

How to care for Sweetpotato

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Sweetpotato, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Sweetpotato should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweetpotato 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

Sweetpotato thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Yam.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Sweetpotato plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Sweetpotato is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Sweetpotato does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Region of origin

Sweetpotato’s native range is Worldwide.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Sweetpotato blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia