South African Turtle-back Plant
The editor will explain the experience of cultivating the succulent plant, South African Turtle-back Plant. Let's get to know more about it together.
South African Turtle-back Plant (Dioscorea elephantipes) is a caudex-type succulent plant and a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, native to the Cape Province of South Africa. The local climate is Mediterranean, with mild and rainy winters, an average temperature of around 15°C, and dry summers. South African Turtle-back Plant is a "winter type" species, meaning it dormancy in summer.
South African Turtle-back Plant can also grow well under good control of growing medium, water, light, temperature, and ventilation:
1. The growing medium should be well-draining and not contain too much humus, otherwise, it may lead to root rot or burn. When planting, bury 1/3 of the stem into the soil, which makes it easier to cultivate and the stem grows faster.
2. Watering should be done by the immersion method and should be controlled, preferably not fully soaked, usually immersing to the lower 1/3 to 1/2 of the potting soil.
3. South African Turtle-back Plant prefers semi-shade, except for winter days when it should get as much sunlight as possible. In early spring and late autumn, it should be provided with moderate light, and the rest of the time, it should be placed in a well-ventilated indoor or阳台内侧 shaded area for care.
4. Temperature, humidity, and ventilation are very important for the growth of South African Turtle-back Plant. It grows vigorously at an average temperature of 15°C to 25°C, can grow normally in an environment above 10°C with sunlight, and growth停滞 at around 5°C. Therefore, it is best to keep it in a warmer place in winter to maintain the temperature needed for growth. In summer, the plant will gradually enter a dormant period, and by the end of June, the swollen stem usually only has residual dry branches left. At this time, it is best to cut off the dry branches to promote new growth, and care should also be cautious.
Those with conditions can use the double potting method (putting a large pot outside the pot), watering inside the outer pot, and keeping the inner pot's soil dry. By the end of July, it can produce green, thin, and long tendrils, but the leaves do not expand. At this time, it should be placed in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area, and watered once every two weeks. From early autumn, the leaves gradually expand and grow, the tendrils also grow longer, and there may be branches. At this time, the frequency of watering can be gradually increased, and a diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied if necessary.
In spring and autumn, on rainy days (when the temperature is not lower than 15°C), South African Turtle-back Plant can be placed outdoors in a sheltered and well-ventilated area to absorb the moisture in the air and enjoy the nourishment of nature, which will make the plant flourish. This environment is the best growing condition for South African Turtle-back Plant.
When cultivating South African Turtle-back Plant, it is best to choose plants with hexagonal soft cork nodules covering the stems, as there are no such nodules in the seedling stage.
At the same time, be sure to distinguish it from Mexican Turtle-back Plant (D.macrostachya): their stems are almost identical in shape, but the tuberous roots of Mexican Turtle-back Plant are slightly flat; the leaf shapes are slightly different, with Mexican Turtle-back Plant having larger leaves with 7-9 veins, while South African Turtle-back Plant has smaller leaves with 5-7 veins. Both have heart-shaped triangular leaves, but the leaf tip of Mexican Turtle-back Plant is明显 longer. Since Mexican Turtle-back Plant is a "summer type" species (meaning it dormancy in winter), the cultivation requirements are different, and they should not be confused.
The above content on the planting points of South African Turtle-back Plant (Dioscorea elephantipes) is brought to you, hoping it will be helpful to you!