Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
- Smell the soil for any signs of decay.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems feel mushy near the soil line. You might also notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy, repot the plant into a well draining mix containing perlite or coarse sand.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after you water. The roots look dark and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large holes at the bottom. Elevate the pot on a saucer with pebbles so it never sits directly in drained water.
Find out what's wrong with your cassava
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the stems are turning black and soft, the plant is likely too far gone to save. Minor yellowing is normal if you just accidentally gave it a bit too much water once.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always empty the saucer after watering.
Keep your cassava healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a cassava with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the main stem is soft, it is usually too late.
- How often should I water my cassava?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but only if the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil rather than sticking to a strict calendar.
More problems with Cassava
- Why are my cassava leaves turning yellow?
- How do I get rid of pests on my cassava?
- Why are there spots on my cassava leaves?
- Why is my cassava plant drooping?
- Why are my cassava's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my cassava losing its leaves?
- Why is my cassava plant growing so leggy?
- Why are my cassava leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.