Dioscorea villosa
TAXONOMY
FamilyDioscoreaceae
GenusDioscorea
Zone4
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Dioscorea villosa, commonly known as Wild Yam, is a climbing rhizomatous geophyte native to North America. It is part of the Dioscoreaceae family and the Dioscorea genus. This plant is known for its tuberous roots, which have been used historically for medicinal purposes. It thrives in temperate climates and typically enters a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Wild Yam
Dioscorea cliffortiana
Dioscorea glauca
Dioscorea hexaphylla
Dioscorea hirticaulis
Dioscorea lloydiana
Dioscorea longifolia
Dioscorea megaptera
Dioscorea paniculata
Dioscorea paniculata var. glabrifolia
Dioscorea pruinosa
Dioscorea quaternata
Dioscorea quaternata var. glauca
Dioscorea quinata
Dioscorea repanda
Dioscorea sativa
Dioscorea villosa f. glabrifolia
Dioscorea villosa f. villosa
Dioscorea villosa subsp. glabrifolia
Dioscorea villosa subsp. glauca
Dioscorea villosa subsp. hirticaulis
Dioscorea villosa subsp. paniculata
Dioscorea villosa subsp. quaternata
Dioscorea villosa var. glabra
Dioscorea villosa var. glabrifolia
Dioscorea villosa var. hirticaulis
Dioscorea villosa var. laeviuscula
Dioscorea villosa var. villosa
Dioscorea waltheri
Merione villosa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightMedium (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Wild Yam prefers moderate temperatures and medium light conditions. It should be watered when the soil partially dries out, and it thrives in environments with moderate humidity. Regular pruning is beneficial to manage its climbing growth habit.Soil
Dioscorea villosa prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 is suitable for Wild Yam. Fertilize during the growing season to support healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing as this can harm the plant.Repotting
Repotting should be done during the plant's dormancy period, typically in late winter or early spring. Carefully transfer the plant to a slightly larger pot with fresh soil to accommodate its growing root system.Propagation
Wild Yam can be propagated through division of its tuberous roots. This is best done during the dormancy period. Ensure each division has a portion of the root and some shoots to encourage successful growth.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to manage the climbing growth habit of Wild Yam. Prune back any excessive growth during the growing season to maintain a manageable size and shape.Toxicity
Dioscorea villosa is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to handle plants with care and avoid ingestion unless the plant is known to be safe.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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