Elephant foot yam Plant Care

Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) belongs to the Araceae family within the Amorphophallus genus. Elephant foot yam is native to Island Southeast Asia. Elephant foot yam is also known as Whitespot giant arum, Stink lily.

Elephant foot yam displays a large, solitary leaf growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Elephant foot yam produces unique, foul-smelling inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Elephant foot yam every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Elephant foot yam thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Elephant foot yam in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Elephant foot yam prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Elephant foot yam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Elephant foot yam every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Elephant foot yam is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Elephant foot yam can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Elephant foot yam while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Elephant foot yam is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Elephant foot yam can be propagated through offsets, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Elephant foot yam is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.

Elephant foot yam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Elephant foot yam is native to Island Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Elephant foot yam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.