Dioscorea elephantipes Specimen Size | Turtle Plants

I'm not sure if anyone ever uttered the phrase, "those are some magnificent turtles." If any turtle could be magnificent, it is certainly Dioscorea elephantipes, the "turtle plant."  These are AWESOME specimens, with knobby protruding scutes that are lusted after by collectors. And me, apparently. Nice scutes, baby!  These are old, patiently grown specimens in 6" diameter pots. They are at least 15 years old and beyond. 

The most common cause of death in cultivation with these plants is improper watering -- to be specific, the FEAR of watering them. If there is an active vine, these guys want water! The soil mix should be fast draining to accommodate frequent waterings. If your plant is actively vining, and suddenly starts showing yellow leaves and drops the vine, you are depriving it of water. There is a natural dormancy phase that I believe is day length dependent - as the days shorten, this plant becomes more active. During the summer here in Florida (I repeat, Florida, which is a special kind of hell in the summer) they are moved to deep, cooler shade. This is a South African species that may go dormant during the summer if your conditions are super hot. Growing indoors is a different story; it may never go dormant. To tell the difference between misery and normal dormancy - the vine slowly retreats into natural, healthy dormancy. In misery, it yellows and falls to pieces very quickly. If your dioscorea was vining into everyone's personal space vigorously one day, then seemed to cease in a matter of days, then it is probably thirsting to death. 

The second most common cause of death is sunburn. Throwing these babies into full sun with their caudex exposed often results in quick rot. In habitat, the seeds germinate under other plants, the caudex is half buried, and any exposed part is covered by their vigorous vine or shaded by whomever's space they're invading with it. In my experience, the vine doesn't mind full sun, but the caudex must be protected. 

Photos in the listings unless otherwise specified are representative of the plant that will be sent to you. Each plant may vary slightly in shape, size, growth pattern, etc. as they are all individuals like you and me! As always if you receive a plant that you are dissatisfied with please reach out to us within 7 days of receipt at support@paradisefoundnursery.com.

All plants are hand selected by our team, we pick out the biggest and best in stock! Smaller plants like seedlings may be shipped in pot at our discretion

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