Jamaica wild yam Plant Care

Jamaica wild yam (Cymbopetalum alkekengi) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Cymbopetalum genus. Jamaica wild yam is native to Jamaica. Jamaica wild yam is also known as Wild cinnamon.

Jamaica wild yam displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Jamaica wild yam produces small, fragrant white flowers with yellow centers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Jamaica wild yam every 7–14 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.

Jamaica wild yam thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Cymbopetalum alkekengi tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Jamaica wild yam prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Jamaica wild yam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Jamaica wild 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 partial shade to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jamaica wild yam is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Jamaica wild yam can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Jamaica wild 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.

Jamaica wild yam is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Jamaica wild yam can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to costa rican banana shrub plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Jamaica wild yam is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Jamaica wild yam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Jamaica wild yam is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Jamaica wild yam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.