ornamental yam

Ornamental yam should be watered thoroughly, once per week. Make sure the soil is soaked through and still damp before adding more water. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves in order to prevent fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry out in between waterings. Avoid over-watering as this will damage the plant. A good way to check the moisture level of the soil is to place your fingers about 3 inches deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry there, it is time to water.

Ornamental yams require full sun for 5 to 6 hours per day of direct sunlight. The best time for sunlight exposure is early in the day, when the sun's rays are the strongest. If a plant cannot receive full sun, some partial shade can be beneficial, but direct sunlight should make up the majority of the day's light. During the hottest periods of the day, especially when average temperatures exceed 85°F (29 °C) it is best to provide part shade for your ornamental yam.

Ornamental yam (Dioscorea discolor) should be pruned in late summer and early autumn. Prune off any dead, dying, or diseased stems and leaves as soon as they are observed. In addition, prune away any stems that are growing out of shape or are pointing in an undesirable direction. You can also prune off weak or non-vigorous stems in order to encourage the plant to strengthen the remaining stems. Pruning encourages the plant to produce more robust foliage and 1 should prune roughly 1 third of the infested plant.