Smallanthus sonchifolius
Care, watering, light and tips for Smallanthus sonchifolius on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Smallanthus sonchifolius
Smallanthus sonchifolius, commonly known as yacon, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the South American Andes. It is notable for its large, velvety leaves and, especially, for its sweet, crunchy edible tubers. It is ideal for vegetable gardens or permaculture settings where both its nutritional properties and attractive foliage are valued.
Native range
Andean region of South America, specifically in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Argentina.
Care tips
Yacon thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight for good tuber development. It needs regular and abundant watering, especially during dry periods and active growth, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It prefers rich, organic, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils. A common mistake is harvesting the tubers too early; it's best to wait until the leaves start to wither in autumn, indicating that the plant has concentrated its sugars in the tubers.
How to save a dying Smallanthus sonchifolius
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft or blackened stems. Mushy or moldy tuberous roots.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, carefully remove, trim rotten roots, and repot in dry substrate. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, leading to tuber rot, is the main killer. Also lack of light or frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. If rot hasn't reached the main stem or many tubers, it can recover.