Yacon Plant Care
Smallanthus putlanus B.L.Turner
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, fuzzy leaves are its most distinctive visual feature, making it a standout in any collection. Originating from South America, specifically Bolivia and Peru, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in indoor environments. With its striking foliage and low-maintenance care requirements, Smallanthus putlanus is sure to make a statement in any plant lover's collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Yacon?
Water Yacon every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Yacon?
Yacon (Smallanthus putlanus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Smallanthus genus. Yacon is native to Bolivia, Peru. Yacon is also known as Bolivian Sunroot.
Yacon displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Yacon produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Yacon?
Smallanthus putlanus 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 Yacon Need?
Yacon thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yacon Prefer?
Smallanthus putlanus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Yacon prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yacon?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Yacon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yacon?
Feed Yacon 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 Yacon?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Yacon?
Yacon can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yacon plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Yacon Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Yacon, 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 Yacon?
Yacon 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Yacon Need?
Yacon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Yacon is native to Bolivia, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Yacon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Yacon 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 Smallanthus genus — compare its care with other Smallanthus species on PlantoScan.
Smallanthus is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Yacon 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: Smallanthus putlanus B.L.Turner, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 92(3): 358 (-361; figs. 1-3) (2010)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Yacon, 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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