Dioscorea Elephantipes - Elephant's Foot

Dioscorea elephantipes
Common Name: Elephant’s Foot / Turtle Shell Plant

Dioscorea elephantipes is a South African caudiciform known for its distinctive woody caudex, which develops deeply divided, geometric plates resembling a tortoise shell. The caudex becomes increasingly pronounced with age and can eventually grow to several feet across in very old specimens. During active growth, it produces slender climbing vines with heart-shaped green leaves.

☀ Light: Bright filtered light to partial sun

💧 Water: Water when soil is dry during active growth; reduce watering significantly during dormancy

🌡 Cold: Protect from hard frost

✨ Highlights

• Large, woody caudex with tortoise-shell patterning
• Caudex can eventually reach several feet across
• Produces climbing vines with heart-shaped leaves
• Native to South Africa

This cactus will ship bare root and will be ready to place directly in a well draining soil mix like our Custom Cactus Mix.

Photos in the listings unless otherwise specified are representative of the plant that will be sent to you.
However, Plants grow differently and each plant may vary slightly in shape, size, growth pattern, etc.
Of course, if you receive a plant that you are dissatisfied with please reach out to us. We want to make it right!

If temperatures near you are below 45℉ we highly recommend adding a Heat Pack to your order.
If temperatures where you live will be much lower than 20℉ even heat packs may not work. You may consider waiting until things warm up a bit. We know you love your plants just like we do and we wouldn't want any of them to freeze.