Cassava Plant Care

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Manihot genus. Cassava is native to South America, from Brazil, Paraguay and parts of the Andes. Cassava is also known as Yuca, Manioc, Tapioca.

Cassava displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cassava produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cassava every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cassava thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Manihot esculenta tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Cassava prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cassava to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cassava every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cassava is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cassava can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cassava while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Cassava is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cassava can be propagated through stem cuttings, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to manioc plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cassava is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cassava grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Cassava is native to South America, from Brazil, Paraguay and parts of the Andes. In cooler regions, grow Cassava as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.