I have a young Dioscorea Elephantipes that has just come out of its rest period in the last two weeks. I feel this plant is going to out grow its pot very quickly, as I have only watered it twice as soon as I saw growth, and it has grown extremely rapidly.
Its currently in a very fast draining mix, with very little organic material. I would like to repot it into my normal cactus and succulent mix that comprises of 1/3 JI No2 and 2/3 potting grit, or for my lithops I pot into a mix of 1/4 JI No2 and 3/4 potting grit, are either soils suitable for Dioscorea Elephantipes? As I understand they are very prone to rot.
Kind regards Dan.
Soil mix for Dioscorea elephantipes
Forum rules
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 24
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 02 May 2022
- Branch: None
- Country: United Kingdom
- iann
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 14565
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: MACCLESFIELD & EAST CHESHIRE
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Soil mix for Dioscorea elephantipes
I don't think they're very prone to rot. A typical cactus or Lithops mix should be fine, or even go a bit richer. They're fairly vigorous when in growth and will suck a pot dry very quickly unless you've really gone overboard. Any trickiness comes with how to water when they're dormant, or you think they should be dormant and they're not, or you think they should be growing and they're not.
Cheshire, UK
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 101
- Joined: 20 Oct 2010
- Branch: NOTTINGHAM
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Soil mix for Dioscorea elephantipes
I would use a richer mix. I got my mine as a small plant in 2004 and I've always used a mix of 2/3 JI3 and 1/3 perlite in which it has grown well. In the earlier years I repotted it every year into a pot that was double the volume of the previous one.
I feed with full strength High Nitrogen feed (I use Chempak 2) at every other watering when in leaf. Water again just before the soil dries out, but don't leave it standing in water. When they are dormant give a little plain water whenever necessary to stop the roots getting totally dry so that they remain alive and ready for a quick getaway the following season. If the roots die then the process of growing a fresh set is when the risk of rot occurs.
I feed with full strength High Nitrogen feed (I use Chempak 2) at every other watering when in leaf. Water again just before the soil dries out, but don't leave it standing in water. When they are dormant give a little plain water whenever necessary to stop the roots getting totally dry so that they remain alive and ready for a quick getaway the following season. If the roots die then the process of growing a fresh set is when the risk of rot occurs.
Cacti and succulents with data - especially clonotypes, topotypes, old clones, ISI introductions - basically plants with stories!
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 24
- Joined: 02 May 2022
- Branch: None
- Country: United Kingdom
Re: Soil mix for Dioscorea elephantipes
Thank you both for the information.
Kind regards Dan
Kind regards Dan