Photo: Guillaume DelaitreCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wild yam Plant Care
Abuta bullata Moldenke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Abuta bullata is a tropical vine known for its heart-shaped leaves with prominent veining. Originating from the Amazon rainforest, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique foliage and medicinal properties.
Every 7–14 days
Filtered sunlight
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Wild yam?
Water Wild yam every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Wild yam Native To?
What Is the Wild yam?
Wild yam (Abuta bullata) belongs to the Menispermaceae family within the Abuta genus. Wild yam is native to South America. Wild yam is also known as Cissampelos pareira.
Wild yam displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Wild yam produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wild yam?
Abuta bullata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wild yam Need?
Wild yam thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Wild yam in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wild yam Prefer?
Abuta bullata grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Wild yam prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wild yam?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Wild yam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wild yam?
Feed Wild yam every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wild yam?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Wild yam?
Wild yam can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abuta acutifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wild yam Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wild yam?
Wild yam is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wild yam Need?
Wild yam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Wild yam is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Wild yam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wild yam is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Abuta genus — compare its care with other Abuta species on PlantoScan.
Abuta is part of the Menispermaceae plant family — browse all Menispermaceae genera and species.
Wild yam contains compounds toxic to pets — learn which other species to keep from pet-toxic plants.
More Abuta Species
Other Abuta species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Abuta bullata Moldenke, family Menispermaceae (first published in Brittonia 3: 52 (1938)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Wild yam is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Guillaume Delaitre, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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