Manihot pentaphylla Plant Care

Manihot pentaphylla (Manihot pentaphylla) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Manihot genus. Manihot pentaphylla is native to Goiás, Brazil.

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

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Manihot pentaphylla 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.

Manihot pentaphylla thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Manihot pentaphylla 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.

Manihot pentaphylla is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Manihot pentaphylla 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 Manihot pentaphylla 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.

Manihot pentaphylla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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Manihot pentaphylla 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.

Manihot pentaphylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Manihot pentaphylla is native to Goiás, Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Manihot pentaphylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.