Cacao
Theobroma cacao
Cacao is a small, shade-loving tropical tree that bears colourful pods directly on its trunk and branches. The beans inside are fermented, dried and roasted to make chocolate, and the sweet white pulp is also eaten.
Photo: Luisovalles · CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Partial sun
Watering
High
Keep the soil moist all year; it does not tolerate drought.
Soil
Deep, rich, well-drained soil; pH 5.5–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
16–32 °C · High humidity
Feeding
Feed every two to three months with compost and a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed, grafting, stem cuttings
Shape to a low framework and remove suckers.
Cacao beans and chocolate contain theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
Top Cultivation Tips
Grow under taller trees such as banana or coconut.
Sow fresh seeds immediately; they do not store.
Shelter from wind.
Needs a humid, frost-free tropical climate.
Common problems
Anthracnose
A fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on leaves, flowers and fruit, especially mango, chilli and papaya.
How to treat it →PestMealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →DiseaseRoot rot
Roots decay in waterlogged soil, so the plant wilts and yellows even though the soil is wet.
How to treat it →
