Manihot - Care Sheet

Manihot - “Tapioca”

Light: Manihot love direct sunlight and would do best with at least a few hours of direct sunshine every day. A southern or western window would be ideal. They should be shaded from extremely hot sun exposure.

Water: Tapioca will appreciate a thorough watering and then some time to allow the top 20% or so of the soil to dry. In sunniest locations, maintain more even moisture. Always avoid any standing water at the roots. 

Environment: Manihot are charming tropical plants that need warm, humid conditions and some direct sunlight to thrive. Avoid cold drafts, AC units, and active radiators that reduce humidity levels. To encourage flowering, give weekly fertilizer feedings March–October. Never fertilize when the plant is dry to avoid damaging the roots.

Toxicity: This plant is reported to be toxic without proper preparation. Ingestion should, in general, be avoided.

Of Note:

• Pruning during the summer is great for the plant, encouraging new budding and shoots as well as establishing a few dominant branches for aesthetic impact.

*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.