D. e. Usually grows during the cooler part of the year.
Charantula
Firstly, I would never advise growing plants in clear containers. The exception would be aquatic plants. When the roots are exposed to light it can stress the plant, disrupting growth and nutrient intake. Secondly, light plus moisture in a clear container will allow algae to proliferate. Thirdly, clear containers can trap heat more easily in direct sunlight, potentially damaging roots.
ToRn842
They prefer a nutrient rich soil that is well draining when they are actively growing they can be quite hungry. I prefer a 20% organic mix with an inorganic topper. I know some people go as high as 50% organic with no problem. It looks like you might also be overwatering. It’s hard to tell from the picture but what’s the green ring area near the base of the plant? Are you growing indoors if so you can cut way back on the water. If they are not dormant and indoors I would water deep every 3 weeks to 1 month and if they are in dormancy I give them a little drink 1/4 water every month and a half to two months just enough to to keep the roots happy but mostly dry. not a full water I hope that makes sense. I also always let them dry out completely between waterings it helps to picture where you plant comes from look up it native region and altitude this will help you understand a plants natural watering schedule. Now growing indoors and inside a pot vs. the ground is definitely not the same thing. Dioscorea elephantipes is native to the dry, inland regions of South Africa. It is specifically found in arid areas with hot, dry summers and relatively dry winters. Other thoughts to consider are you misting or keeping your other plants around this guy at an elevated humidity? I always avoid getting the growth point overly wet it’s not a tropical plant.
3 Comments
D. e. Usually grows during the cooler part of the year.
Firstly, I would never advise growing plants in clear containers. The exception would be aquatic plants. When the roots are exposed to light it can stress the plant, disrupting growth and nutrient intake. Secondly, light plus moisture in a clear container will allow algae to proliferate. Thirdly, clear containers can trap heat more easily in direct sunlight, potentially damaging roots.
They prefer a nutrient rich soil that is well draining when they are actively growing they can be quite hungry. I prefer a 20% organic mix with an inorganic topper. I know some people go as high as 50% organic with no problem. It looks like you might also be overwatering. It’s hard to tell from the picture but what’s the green ring area near the base of the plant? Are you growing indoors if so you can cut way back on the water. If they are not dormant and indoors I would water deep every 3 weeks to 1 month and if they are in dormancy I give them a little drink 1/4 water every month and a half to two months just enough to to keep the roots happy but mostly dry. not a full water I hope that makes sense. I also always let them dry out completely between waterings it helps to picture where you plant comes from look up it native region and altitude this will help you understand a plants natural watering schedule. Now growing indoors and inside a pot vs. the ground is definitely not the same thing. Dioscorea elephantipes is native to the dry, inland regions of South Africa. It is specifically found in arid areas with hot, dry summers and relatively dry winters. Other thoughts to consider are you misting or keeping your other plants around this guy at an elevated humidity? I always avoid getting the growth point overly wet it’s not a tropical plant.