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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Sweet potato
(Ipomoea batatas)
Also Known As
Sweet potato, Yam potato, Kumara
About This Plant
Ipomoea batatas is a species of flowering plant in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is commonly known as sweet potato or yam in North America and some other regions. The plant is a herbaceous perennial vine, bearing alternate heart-shaped or palmately lobed leaves.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
Vine up to 10 feet (3 meters) long
Light Requirements
The sweet potato plant requires full sun to grow properly. It needs at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Humidity Needs
The sweet potato plant prefers moderate humidity levels, around 50-60%. However, it can tolerate lower humidity levels.
Fertilizing Schedule
The sweet potato plant requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It should be fertilized every four weeks during the growing season.
Pruning Guidelines
The plant does not require regular pruning, but it can be trimmed to control its size and shape.
Common Pests and Diseases
Common pests and diseases for sweet potato plants include sweet potato weevils, whiteflies, and fungal diseases like black rot and Fusarium wilt.
Indoor Size Range
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Watering Schedule
The plant needs regular watering to grow properly. It should be watered deeply once a week, and the soil should be kept evenly moist.
Temperature Range
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Growing Season
Sweet potato plants are typically grown in the spring and summer months, with harvest in the fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Sweet potato plants are relatively easy to grow, making them a popular choice for home gardeners.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Sweet potatoes are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Did You Know?
Sweet potatoes are not actually potatoes at all! They are a member of the morning glory family, and their leaves and flowers are similar to those of the morning glory plant.
