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Also known as
Air Potato, Air Potato, Air yam, Aerial yam, Bitter yam, Cheeky yam, Potato yam, Parsnip yam and Up-yam
Taxonomy
Dioscorea bulbifera
Dioscorea
Dioscoreaceae
Dioscoreales

How to care for Bitter Yam

How often to water your Bitter Yam

every 9
Bitter Yam needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Air Potato in your home

a window
Bitter Yam love being close to bright, sunny windows š.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Bitter Yam does not tolerate low-light š«.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Bitter Yam in your home š”.

How to fertilize Bitter Yam

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Bitter Yam after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Bitter Yam prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Bitter Yam requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plantās toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, itās always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control atĀ US (800) 222-1222.Ā If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA atĀ US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Bitter Yam does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Bitter Yam is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Bitter Yam can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Bitter Yam
Bitter Yam
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.
