Also known as Bitter Cassava · Cassave · Kaséla
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a woody shrub grown for its edible starchy tuberous roots, a major source of carbohydrates globally.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and tuber development.
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Warm
100% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 25-30°C. It is sensitive to frost.
Low to Moderate
25% intensity
Applies a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, but avoid excessive nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Contains cyanogenic glycosides, especially in the leaves and raw roots. Must be properly processed to remove toxins before consumption.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Cassava prefers consistent moisture but tolerates drought once established. Water deeply when the top 5-10 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering during cooler, dormant periods if grown in such climates.
Pruning is generally not required for cassava, as it's typically grown as an annual or for its tubers.
If grown as a perennial or for ornamental purposes, light pruning can shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. Major pruning is best done at the start of the growing season.
Cassava is vegetatively propagated from stem cuttings. Use healthy, mature stems that are at least 20-30 cm long. Plant cuttings vertically or at an angle in well-draining soil, ensuring at least two nodes are buried.
Rooting typically occurs within 4-8 weeks.
Repotting is not typically necessary for cassava, as it is usually grown as an annual crop for its edible roots. If grown in containers for ornamental purposes or for extended periods, repot into a larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix when the plant becomes root-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Where Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
8 known issues from plant disease data
Cassava Mosaic Disease on Cassava causes pale green and yellow mosaic patches, twisted leaves, smaller foliage, and strong stunting.
Cassava Brown Streak Disease on Cassava causes yellow leaf patches, brown stem streaks, and dry brown root rot that ruins tubers.
Cassava Bacterial Blight on Cassava starts as angular water-soaked leaf spots, then causes blight, wilting, dieback, and leaf drop.
Cassava Anthracnose Disease on Cassava causes dark stem cankers, wilting, shoot dieback, and weak stems that may break.
Cassava Root Rot Disease on Cassava causes yellowing, wilting, defoliation, stem dieback, and rotting roots that can kill plants.
Brown leaf spot in Manioc causes small brown leaf lesions with darker edges that enlarge, dry out, and reduce healthy leaf area.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Manihot |
| Species | Manihot esculenta |
Similar in genus Manihot
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
