False Yam Plant Care
Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pentadiplandra brazzeana, also known as oubli, is an evergreen shrub or liana that is the only species assigned to the genus Pentadiplandra, and has been placed in a family of its own called Pentadiplandraceae. It produces large red berries, sometimes mottled with grey.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for False Yam?
Water False Yam every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the False Yam?
False Yam (Pentadiplandra brazzeana) belongs to the Pentadiplandraceae family within the Pentadiplandra genus.
False Yam displays a tall vine, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. False Yam produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a False Yam?
Pentadiplandra brazzeana 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 False Yam Need?
False Yam thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing False Yam in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the False Yam Prefer?
Pentadiplandra brazzeana grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. False Yam prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Yam?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for False Yam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a False Yam?
Feed False Yam every 6 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 6 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 False Yam?
Repot every 1-2 years 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 False Yam?
False Yam can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the False Yam Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False Yam, 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 False Yam?
False Yam is susceptible to aphids, 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 False Yam Need?
False Yam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow False Yam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
False 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 Pentadiplandra genus — compare its care with other Pentadiplandra species on PlantoScan.
Pentadiplandra is part of the Pentadiplandraceae plant family — browse all Pentadiplandraceae genera and species.
False Yam 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: Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill., family Pentadiplandraceae (first published in Bull. Mens. Soc. Linn. Paris 1: 611 (1886)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False Yam, 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 13b, 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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