Dioscorea abysmophila Plant Care

Dioscorea abysmophila Maguire & Steyerm.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Dioscorea abysmophila is a herbaceous vine in the genus Dioscorea. It is native to Venezuela, with the type locality listed as "Estado do Amazonas, São Gabriel, Rio Negro." A note included with the type specimen, collected in 1945, indicates that the specimen was collected from rocky terrain on a high mountain range.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Dioscorea abysmophila?

Water Dioscorea abysmophila every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Dioscorea abysmophila Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Dioscorea abysmophila?

Dioscorea abysmophila (Dioscorea abysmophila) belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family within the Dioscorea genus. Dioscorea abysmophila is native to Venezuela, with the type locality listed as "Estado do Amazonas, São Gabriel, Rio Negro.

Dioscorea abysmophila displays a vining, climbing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dioscorea abysmophila produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Dioscorea abysmophila?

Dioscorea abysmophila requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Dioscorea abysmophila Need?

Dioscorea abysmophila thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dioscorea abysmophila in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dioscorea abysmophila Prefer?

Dioscorea abysmophila grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Dioscorea abysmophila prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dioscorea abysmophila?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Dioscorea abysmophila to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Dioscorea abysmophila?

Feed Dioscorea abysmophila every 4 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 4 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 Dioscorea abysmophila?

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 Dioscorea abysmophila?

Dioscorea abysmophila can be propagated through tubers, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to air potato plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Dioscorea abysmophila Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Dioscorea abysmophila, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

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 Dioscorea abysmophila?

Dioscorea abysmophila is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Dioscorea abysmophila Need?

Dioscorea abysmophila grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dioscorea abysmophila is native to Venezuela, with the type locality listed as "Estado do Amazonas, São Gabriel, Rio Negro. In cooler regions, grow Dioscorea abysmophila as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Dioscorea abysmophila 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 Dioscorea genus — compare its care with other Dioscorea species on PlantoScan.

Dioscorea is part of the Dioscoreaceae plant family — browse all Dioscoreaceae genera and species.

Dioscorea abysmophila thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Dioscorea Species

Other Dioscorea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Dioscorea abysmophila Maguire & Steyerm., family Dioscoreaceae (first published in Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 51: 105 (1989)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dioscorea abysmophila, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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