How Do You Care For Dioscorea Discolor?

How Do You Care For Dioscorea Discolor?

These lovely plants are indigenous to Ecuador and Brazil. They get their stunning leaves from purple, twining stalks.

They grow from subterranean tubers rather than above-ground caudexes like certain other members of the Dioscoreaceae family, most notably D. elephantipes.

Their blooms are mediocre, but who cares when their leaves are spectacular, like heart-shaped stained glass windows.

Watering Requirements

These lovely plants will die back entirely in cool to temperate locations over the winter.

During the warmer months, water as you would most indoor plants – when the soil in the container dries out by 2-3 cm.

Water sparingly in the cooler months (after the above-ground section of the plant has died back) and only when the soil is absolutely dry to avoid tuber rot. You may continue normal watering when you see shoots in November/December.

Sunlight Requirements

It prefers strong direct light and can tolerate full sun, therefore, a north-westerly aspect is ideal. Perfect for a slightly shaded deck or balcony; just make sure they don’t get wet during the winter.

Soil Requirements

The tubers should be sown in fertile, well-drained soil. A lightweight, breathable soil is appropriate. 1 part sod, 1 part leaf, 1 part coarse-grained sand or perlite, and 1 part moist peat or humus.

Fertilization Requirements

From spring through fall, apply liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Temperature And Humidity Requirements

The temperature should not be lower than 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Dioscorea discolor may be grown in somewhat dry air.

Is Dioscorea Discolor Edible?

This vine-growing ornamental yam has beautiful leaves. They may be trained to climb a trellis or allowed to cascade down a container.

This plant is tropical and dislikes chilly temperatures. If it is not kept warm throughout the winter, it will fall into dormancy. It is possible to cultivate it outside in the spring and summer.

The edible tubers of this ancient agricultural plant are harvested from the wild and sometimes farmed for local usage as food in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

How Do You Propagate Dioscorea Discolor?

Dioscorea Discolor can be propagated through the use of Stem Cuttings or Seeds.

Seeds Propagation

It is feasible to multiply seeds put in March-April in a mixture of leaf land and sand and germinate at 59 ° F with occasional watering. The mature shoots plunge. Young plants are then moved to a bigger container.

Stem Cuttings Propagation

Stem collecting occurs 3-5 months after the yam is planted in the field when the main stems have developed lateral branches.

Employing lateral branches (side shoots) is advisable to avoid disturbing the main plant’s growth.

Choose side shoots with more than three nodes. Cut the desired side shoots off the main stem with scissors or a small kitchen knife. Take particular precautions to protect the primary stem.

Put the cuttings in a plastic bag and take them to the nursery. Soak the trimmings in water in a bowl.

Locate the section of the stem that is neither too firm (mature) nor too soft for each cutting (young).

Cut this section of the stem at a 45 degrees angle using scissors. At least three nodes should be present in the final cut.

From the nodes on both ends, the cut section of the stems should be 1-2 cm long. Drill three holes in the bottom of each plastic cup.

This will be used to drain surplus water. Fill the cups halfway with carbonized husk.

Plant 1-3 cuttings in each cup, one at a time. Deep enough to include one of the three nodes

As needed, water the seedlings. After 2-4 weeks, when new roots and shoots have formed, the seedlings are ready for transplantation to the field. Derived from stem cuttings

Make certain that the land has been adequately plowed and is soft. If desired, add some mulch. Each vine cutting should be planted 30 x 30 cm apart.

What Is Dioscorea Discolor?

Dioscorea discolor is native to Ecuador and Brazil, and its leaves are brightly coloured. The tubers should be sown in fertile, well-drained soil.

Give the plant full light, depending on where you live, and lots of water because it is a thirsty tropical plant.

This vine-growing ornamental yam has beautiful leaves. They may be trained to climb a trellis or allowed to cascade down a container. This plant is tropical and dislikes chilly temperatures.

If it is not kept warm throughout the winter, it will fall into dormancy. It is possible to cultivate it outside in the spring and summer.

How Big Can Dioscorea Discolor Get?

Dioscorea discolor is a counterclockwise-twining ornamental tropical vine native to Ecuador that is prized for its vivid variegated leaves.

It is tuberous (from the same genus as edible yams) and grows to 10-12′ in a single season.

The pointed, heart-shaped leaves are highly patterned and marbled in dark green, pale green, and white, with a silvery midrib above and a reddish-purple underside.

In axillary panicles, clusters of tiny, white, scented blooms.

Can Dioscorea Discolor Be Grown Indoors?

Tubers are winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 and may be left in the ground all year.

Plant tubers after the final frost date in the spring and lift tubers after the first frost date in the fall for overwintering in a cool, frost-free environment.

Tubers can be found at supermarket stores that sell Asian, African, or Latin American fruit.

Grow in full sun on organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Light shade is OK.

It is not acceptable to allow the soil to dry out. Needs a support framework to grow.

It may also be cultivated in pots that must be overwintered indoors or as a houseplant in bright, sunny areas.

How Often Do You Water Dioscorea Discolor?

In the summer abundant, with the approach of winter, watering is reduced. When the leaves turn yellow, the plant enters a time of rest in which moisture is scarce. Watering is resumed in the spring with the development of new leaves.

These lovely plants will die back entirely in cool to temperate locations over the winter.

During the warmer months, water as you would most indoor plants – when the soil in the container dries up by 2-3 cm.

Water sparingly in the cooler months (after the above-ground section of the plant has died back) and only when the soil is absolutely dry to avoid tuber rot. You may continue normal watering when you see shoots in November/December.

Why Is My Dioscorea Discolor Turning Yellow?

There are several possible causes of yellowing leaves: these are;

Overwatering

Overwatering can cause roots to rot. For example, you may water a plant intensively and see leaves turning yellow.

You may like to check the soil moisture by gently squeezing the soil, and if it is dry, you will need to turn down the watering. If this does not help, poor drainage or root rot is likely to cause. Root rot makes the soil too wet.

Underwatering

Underwatering can cause the yellowing of leaves if the roots do not get enough water and nutrients. Yellow leaves may be caused by a lack of water, so it is important to check that your plant is well drained before watering. If the yellowing is seen at the base of stems and leaf stalks, then check that the plant is well watered, as lack of water causes a salt build-up in the soil, killing plants over time.

Overfertilization

Overfertilization can cause yellowing, particularly if the fertilizer is not balanced. This is because foliar feeding, especially of nitrogen and potassium, can deplete the plant of those nutrients.

Dioscorea discolor is a plant that does not need much maintenance, so it is usually great for beginners who might not have to feed their plants.

Wrong pH

Too much acidity in the soil can cause yellowing leaves. This can be achieved by watering with neutral distilled water, adding peat moss or perlite to make up for any loss through evaporation, or adding lime if needed.

Lack Of Sunlight

Plants need sunlight to synthesize its food from photosynthesis. Yellowing can be the result of a lack of sunlight.

Make sure the area where you put your plant gets sufficient sunlight, at least 6-8 hours per day. Lack of Sunlight can also cause yellowing leaves if the plant is placed in an area with direct sunlight.