How to Care for a Theobroma Cacao

Commonly called the chocolate or cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao means “the food of the gods.” Prized by chocolate lovers, the tree produces large fruits that resemble pods. The pods contain seeds that are processed into chocolate, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. An evergreen tree indigenous to the South American rainforest, Theobroma cacao thrives in hot, humid environments. Cultivated throughout the tropics, Theobroma cacao grows best in countries located 10 degrees north and south of the equator. With the proper care, home gardeners can grow Theobroma cacao.

Theobroma cacao seedling
Clay pot
Sand-potting soil mix
15-15-15 fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a Theobroma cacao sapling from a nursery or garden center. If your local nursery does not carry it, order it from an online nursery.
- 2
  Set the sapling in a window that receives indirect sunlight. Theobroma cacao prefers full to partial sun.
- 3
  Keep the soil moist. Water it one to two times per week until water runs out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. The soil should appear dry on top between watering. Don’t let it dry out.
- 4
  Transplant the sapling when it is 10 inches high. Fill a clay pot with equal parts sand and potting soil. Make sure the pot is large enough so that the root system has room to grow.
- 5
  Monitor the temperature and humidity levels. Keep the temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit with 50 percent or higher humidity levels. Theobroma cacao does not tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees. It will tolerate low humidity levels for short periods.
- 6
  Apply fertilizer once a week during the growing season. Add 1/4 teaspoon of a 15-15-15 fertilizer to one gallon of water.
- 7
  Use pruning shears to cut the tree back. Wait until it flowers before you prune it. Remove a few branches at a time, keeping a balanced shape.
- 8
  Remove pests by hand. Theobroma cacao is susceptible to aphids and mealy bug infestations.

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