How to Grow Indoor Sweet Potatoes: Fresh Greens and Decorative Vines

by | Jul 3, 2025 | Fruit/Vegetables

sweet potatoe

How to Grow Indoor Sweet Potatoes: Fresh Greens and Decorative Vines

When you think of sweet potatoes, you might imagine large outdoor garden beds and big harvests. But did you know you can grow indoor sweet potatoes right in your kitchen or living room? These versatile plants not only produce delicious, edible greens but also create beautiful, trailing vines that bring a tropical, lush feel to your home.

Why Grow Indoor Sweet Potatoes?

  • Edible greens: Sweet potato leaves are tender, mild, and packed with vitamins A, C, and B6.
  • Decorative beauty: The heart-shaped leaves and long vines make an attractive addition to any indoor space.
  • Easy to start: You can use a store-bought sweet potato to start your plant.
  • Low maintenance: Once established, they need minimal care and attention.
  • Year-round enjoyment: Grow them indoors no matter the season and enjoy a steady supply of fresh greens.

Starting Sweet Potatoes Indoors

Materials You’ll Need

  • Organic sweet potato
  • Glass jar or cup
  • Toothpicks
  • Potting soil
  • Container with drainage holes
  • Water spray bottle

Preparing Slips

  1. Insert toothpicks around the sweet potato to suspend it over a jar of water with the bottom half submerged.
  2. Place the jar in a warm, sunny location.
  3. In 2–3 weeks, leafy shoots (slips) will start to appear.
  4. When slips are about 10–15 cm long, twist them off gently.
  5. Place the slips in a glass of water until roots develop (about a week).
  6. Transplant rooted slips into pots filled with rich potting soil.

Indoor Care Tips for Sweet Potatoes

  • Light: Provide at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Supplement with a grow light if needed.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check regularly and avoid letting it dry out completely.
  • Temperature: Sweet potatoes prefer warm conditions, ideally 20–26°C.
  • Humidity: Average indoor humidity is usually fine, but occasional misting can help, especially during dry winter months.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, organic liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.
  • Training vines: Support vines with a trellis, let them trail from a hanging basket, or drape along shelves for a decorative effect.

Harvesting Indoor Sweet Potatoes

  • Leaves: Once plants are well established, harvest young leaves regularly. Pinch or snip them to encourage bushier growth.
  • Tubers: While indoor-grown tubers are smaller, you can still harvest them after about 4–6 months if grown in large enough containers.

Common Challenges

  • Yellowing leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the pot and adjust watering.
  • Leggy growth: Caused by insufficient light. Move to a brighter location or add a grow light.
  • Pests: Aphids and spider mites can appear. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Slow growth: This can occur if temperatures are too low or if light levels are inadequate.

Fun Uses for Sweet Potato Greens

  • Sauté with garlic and olive oil for a quick, nutritious side dish.
  • Add to soups and stews for extra vitamins.
  • Use fresh in salads or sandwiches for a mild, spinach-like taste.
  • Blend into smoothies for a green boost.

Decorating Ideas

  • Let vines spill over a shelf or cabinet for a cascading green effect.
  • Train vines to climb around a window frame for a natural curtain look.
  • Combine with flowering indoor plants for a lush, tropical indoor corner.
  • Pair with colorful pots to match your interior design style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow sweet potatoes indoors all year round? Yes! As long as they receive enough warmth and light, they can thrive indoors year-round.

Will I get large tubers indoors? Indoor tubers are typically small. The main focus for indoor growing is the nutritious greens and decorative foliage.

Do I need to prune sweet potato vines? Pruning helps manage vine length, encourages bushier growth, and maintains a tidy appearance.

Are sweet potato greens really edible? Absolutely! They’re commonly used in many Asian and African cuisines and are tender and mild.

Recommended Products

Outbound Resource

Learn more in this Wikipedia article on sweet potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Growing indoor sweet potatoes is a creative and rewarding way to add both beauty and nutrition to your home. With lush, trailing vines and healthy, edible greens, these versatile plants are perfect for any indoor gardener looking to try something new.

Start your sweet potato journey today and enjoy the unique combination of decorative greenery and fresh, homegrown harvests!