Cassava

Cassava Care

Manihot esculenta

What is the plant

This highly adaptable shrub will produce an edible tuber that puts potatoes to shame while still offering a beautiful aesthetic. A beautiful and practical addition to any garden.

Native to South America, this shrub is mostly grown for its edible tubers that are packed with nutrients and fiber. Also known as yuca and “bread of the poor,” it provides 3 times more calories than a potato and is considered one of the most consumed carbohydrates in developing countries.

It has large green leaves and flourishes in spring and summer, producing beautiful multicolored flowers from a wide array of warm colors. It is highly adaptable and is considered to be easy to care for.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

14°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

8a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Cassava likes moisture but can tolerate periods of drought. Water when the first layer of soil is dry, and be careful not to let it sit in water, which can lead to root rot.
Pruning
Cassava is known to grow up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall, so prune according to desired shape and size.
Fertilizer
As long as the soil is rich in organic matter, fertilizing is not necessary.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. Make sure it doesn’t receive intense sunlight, as it can cause leaf burns.
Soil
It can endure almost any type of soil but prefers fertile, sandy, and well-drained substrates.
Propagation
Propagation can be done by seed and by stem. Stems are best to assure the quality of the plant and root easily and fast, so all that needs to be done is cut a stem from a healthy plant and plant it directly in the soil.

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Temperature
This plant thrives in temperatures that range from 60-85 ºF (20-29 ºC). Another important factor for it to survive is avoiding frost.
Container
Any container with drainage holes. If the roots are meant to be harvested, the container should be deep enough for them to develop properly.
Fun fact
It needs to be cooked properly to become edible, as it contains cyanide, which can lead to intoxication, paralysis, and even death.