Cassava
manihot esculenta
Also known as: ["Yuca","Manioc","Tapioca root"]
Overview
A woody shrub native to South America, cultivated for its edible starchy tuberous root.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Manihot |
| Botanical Name: | Manihot esculenta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in tropical or subtropical regions, or as a potted plant in warmer climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; cactus mix or loam-based potting soil works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 14–21 days in dormancy
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0.
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions, 20–30°C (68–86°F); prefers stable temperatures and dislikes frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning roots; apply after watering to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing newly planted tubers.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or tuber division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone if using.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 25°C (77°F).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of stems to shape the plant; remove yellow or damaged leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased foliage.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/diseased parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by one size up or 2–3 cm in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for tuber development.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in cold; leaf burn or drooping in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; frost can kill the plant.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or row covers; move potted plants indoors during cold spells; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced tuber yield.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to cyanide poisoning from raw or improperly processed cassava. The cyanogenic glycosides can cause rapid onset of toxicity, leading to severe metabolic and neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten raw or improperly processed
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to cyanide poisoning from raw or improperly processed cassava, similar to humans. The cyanogenic glycosides in cassava can lead to acute toxicity, disrupting cellular respiration and causing severe physiological distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten raw or improperly processed
Humans
ToxicManihot esculenta, commonly known as cassava, contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly linamarin and lotaustralin, which can release cyanide upon hydrolysis. Ingestion of raw or improperly processed cassava can lead to acute cyanide poisoning, affecting cellular respiration and potentially causing severe neurological and metabolic disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten raw or improperly processed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is cassava safe to eat?
A: Cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides and must be properly prepared (peeled, cooked) to remove toxins.
Q: How do I grow cassava?
A: Plant cassava stem cuttings in well-drained soil, in full sun, and water moderately.
Q: What are common pests for cassava?
A: Common pests include mealybugs, whiteflies, and cassava mosaic virus.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
