Jicama Plant Care
Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pachyrhizus erosus, commonly known as jícama or Mexican turnip, is a native Mesoamerican vine, although the name jícama most commonly refers to the plant's edible tuberous root. It is in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Jicama?
Jicama grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the Jicama?
Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Pachyrhizus genus. Jicama is also known as Yam Bean, Mexican Turnip.
Jicama displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Jicama produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the Jicama Need?
Jicama thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Jicama?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Jicama to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Jicama?
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 Jicama?
Jicama can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ahipa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Jicama Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Jicama, 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 Jicama?
Jicama is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.
Keep exploring plants
Jicama 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 Pachyrhizus genus — compare its care with other Pachyrhizus species on PlantoScan.
Pachyrhizus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Jicama thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb., family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Jicama, 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.
- 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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