{"product_id":"nasiona-rosliny-zolw-dioscorea-elephantipes","title":"Tortoise Plant Seeds - Dioscorea Elephantipes","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eDioscorea elephantipes\u003c\/strong\u003e - Elephant’s Foot\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eDioscorea elephantipes\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as the \u003cstrong\u003eElephant’s Foot\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eTurtle Plant\u003c\/strong\u003e, is an exceptionally unique plant native to the dry regions of southern Africa. This species fascinates botanists and collectors with its distinctive structure and unusual growth cycle, making it one of the most characteristic plants in the \u003cstrong\u003eDioscoreaceae\u003c\/strong\u003e family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eDistinctive Caudex and Plant Structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe most important feature of the plant is its distinctive \u003cstrong\u003ecaudex\u003c\/strong\u003e – a thickened stem that resembles a turtle shell due to its deeply cracked, corky bark with geometric patterns. In its natural habitat, the caudex can reach impressive sizes – up to \u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003e1 meter in height and over 3 meters in circumference\u003c\/strong\u003e. In pot cultivation, the size is much more moderate, usually not exceeding a \u003cstrong\u003e40 cm diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eFrom the caudex grow \u003cstrong\u003ethin, flexible shoots\u003c\/strong\u003e up to \u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003e2 meters\u003c\/strong\u003e long, covered with small, heart-shaped leaves. The plant is \u003cstrong\u003edioecious\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate plants. Small, pale yellow flowers naturally bloom mainly in winter, reflecting its unusual growth cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eSeasonal Growth Cycle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eElephant’s Foot\u003c\/strong\u003e is a seasonally deciduous plant that naturally grows mainly in winter and enters dormancy in summer. In indoor cultivation, this growth cycle can be irregular, so it is especially important to observe the plant and adjust care according to its current growth stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eCultivation Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe plant prefers a \u003cstrong\u003ebright location with diffused light\u003c\/strong\u003e. Direct sunlight can cause burns to the delicate leaves, so it is best to avoid the sunniest spots. The temperature should not drop below \u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003e16°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, even during dormancy, making it ideal for cultivation in temperate climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe substrate should be \u003cstrong\u003every well-draining\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a high proportion of mineral components such as sand or perlite. The pot should be wide and shallow, with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging around the sensitive caudex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eCare Guidelines\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eWatering should be adjusted to the plant’s growth phase. During active growth, water moderately, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. During dormancy, reduce watering to a minimum. It is recommended to \u003cstrong\u003ewater from below\u003c\/strong\u003e by pouring water into the saucer to avoid direct contact with the caudex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eDioscorea elephantipes\u003c\/strong\u003e is sensitive to excessive salinity, so fertilizing should be infrequent and in small doses. Young plants should not be pruned, while older specimens can be gently trimmed after the growth period ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eUse in Collections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eIn temperate climates, \u003cstrong style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eDioscorea elephantipes\u003c\/strong\u003e is grown exclusively indoors as a potted plant. Due to its unique form and relatively low care requirements, it is an interesting addition to exotic plant collections, attracting attention with its extraordinary appearance and fascinating growth cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"mr.seed","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":52515661218120,"sku":"5901421480301","price":11.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":52515661250888,"sku":"5901421480302","price":22.0,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"50","offer_id":52515661283656,"sku":"5901421480303","price":103.0,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"100","offer_id":52515661316424,"sku":"5901421480304","price":186.0,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/2649\/0440\/files\/1677.jpg?v=1770321361","url":"https:\/\/www.mrseed.eu\/en\/products\/nasiona-rosliny-zolw-dioscorea-elephantipes","provider":"mr.seed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}