Dioscorea bulbifera (Air Potato) is a perennial vine producing aerial bulbils in leaf axils. Bulbils readily germinate without seed, making true seed propagation difficult and rarely used. Germination requires cold stratification to break dormancy.
Before sowing
Chilling treatment for 2-3 months at 5-10°C required to break dormancy in bulbils; moist conditions during chilling
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Bulbils germinate more readily than true seeds. Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged. Remove wing-like structures from seeds if present. Plant in autumn for best results. Do not cover container initially; uncover once most germinate. Maintain temperature around 20°C (68°F). Good drainage essential to prevent rot.
Sources: UnusualSeeds.net, PFAF Plant Database, Tropical Plants Database, Federal Forest Service FEIS
