Wild yam Plant Care
Tiliacora gabonensis Troupin
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tiliacora gabonensis is a vine with heart-shaped leaves that are a vibrant shade of green, making it a striking addition to any plant collection. Native to the lush forests of Central Africa, this plant is cherished by enthusiasts for its unique foliage and ability to climb and cascade elegantly.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Wild yam?
Water Wild 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Wild yam?
Wild yam (Tiliacora gabonensis) belongs to the Menispermaceae family within the Tiliacora genus. Wild yam is native to Central Africa. Wild yam is also known as Congo Bololo.
Wild yam displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Wild yam produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wild yam?
Tiliacora gabonensis 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 Wild yam Need?
Wild yam thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wild 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 Wild yam Prefer?
Tiliacora gabonensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Wild yam prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wild yam?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Wild yam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wild yam?
Feed Wild yam every 2 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 2 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 Wild 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 Wild yam?
Wild yam can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tiliacora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wild yam Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wild 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 Wild yam?
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wild yam Need?
Wild yam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Wild yam is native to Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Wild yam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wild 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 Tiliacora genus — compare its care with other Tiliacora species on PlantoScan.
Tiliacora is part of the Menispermaceae plant family — browse all Menispermaceae genera and species.
Wild yam thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tiliacora Species
Other Tiliacora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tiliacora gabonensis Troupin, family Menispermaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 30: 26 (1960)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wild 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 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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