Cacao Tree

Choosing Cacao Seeds or Seedlings

Hello, future cacao grower! If you're just starting out with growing cacao trees, it's best to begin with young seedlings rather than seeds. Cacao trees need specific conditions to thrive, and seedlings already have a head start. You can find cacao seedlings at specialty nurseries or online plant shops.

Tip: Look for healthy, vibrant green seedlings that are about 6-12 inches tall.

Timing

Cacao trees love warm, humid environments. They don’t tolerate frost or cold weather, so if you live in a cooler climate, you'll want to grow them indoors or in a greenhouse. If you're in a tropical or subtropical area, you can plant them outdoors year-round.

Tools and Materials

Large pots (at least 18 inches wide and deep) or garden space

Rich, well-draining soil (a mix of regular potting soil with some sand and compost works well)

Watering can or spray bottle

• Cacao seedlings
• Humidity tray or misting system
• Bright, indirect light or partial shade

Tip: If you're planting indoors, make sure you have enough space for the tree to grow up to 10 feet tall over time!

If Using Seedlings:

1. Choose a large pot with good drainage holes.
2. Fill the pot with your soil mix, leaving about 2 inches from the top.
3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
4. Carefully remove the seedling from its nursery container and place it into the hole.
5. Cover the roots with soil and gently press down to secure the plant.
6. Water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot.

Tip: Place a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

If Planting Outdoors:

1. Select a partially shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
3. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant.
5. Water generously.

Tip: Cacao trees prefer dappled sunlight or partial shade, especially when they are young.

Sunlight Requirements

Cacao trees thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. If you’re growing them indoors, place them near a window where they can get filtered light throughout the day. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves.

Watering Method

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Water every 2-3 days, depending on how quickly the soil dries out.
• Use your finger to check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity, especially if you’re growing them indoors.

Tip: Cacao trees love humidity! If your home is dry, consider placing a humidity tray (a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water) under the pot.

Fertilizing Tips

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 3-4 months.
• Alternatively, use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every month during the growing season.
• Look for fertilizers labeled for fruit trees or tropical plants.

Tip: Over-fertilizing can harm your cacao tree, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and use less fertilizer rather than more.

Supporting Your Plants

As your cacao tree grows, it may need support to stay upright. You can use a wooden stake or bamboo cane to help stabilize the trunk, especially if it becomes top-heavy.

Tip: Tie the trunk loosely to the stake using soft plant ties to avoid damaging the bark.

When to Harvest

Cacao pods take about 4-6 months to mature after flowering. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when:

• The pods turn a deeper color (usually yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety).
• The pods feel firm but slightly soft when pressed.
• They detach easily from the tree with a gentle twist.

How to Harvest

Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the pod from the tree. Be careful not to damage the tree or nearby buds and flowers.

Tip: Harvesting cacao pods is a delicate process—don't pull too hard, or you might injure the tree.

After Harvesting

Once harvested, you can break open the pods to reveal the cacao beans inside. These beans can be fermented and dried if you plan to make chocolate, or you can simply enjoy the fresh, tangy pulp surrounding the beans.

Tip: Fresh cacao beans won’t taste like chocolate until they’ve been processed, but the pulp is sweet and delicious!

1. Yellow Leaves

Cause: Could be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or lack of nutrients.

Solution: Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Ensure the pot has proper drainage, and consider adding fertilizer if the soil is nutrient-poor.

2. Dropping Leaves

Cause: Sudden temperature changes, lack of humidity, or underwatering.

Solution: Maintain consistent warmth and humidity. If the air is too dry, increase misting or use a humidity tray.

3. No Flowers or Pods

Cause: Not enough light, insufficient nutrients, or the tree is still too young.

Solution: Ensure your tree gets enough indirect sunlight and is fed with the right fertilizer. Be patient—cacao trees can take a few years to start producing flowers and pods.

4. Pests on Leaves

Cause: Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.

Solution: Wash the leaves with a mild soap solution or use an organic insecticide. Increase air circulation around the plant to deter pests.

5. Slow Growth

Cause: Lack of nutrients, insufficient light, or root-bound conditions.

Solution: Repot your tree into a larger container if it’s root-bound, and ensure it’s getting enough light and nutrients.