Cacao de Mono Plant Care

Cacao de Mono (Coussapoa arachnoidea) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Coussapoa genus. Cacao de Mono is native to Brazil's largest region, the North Region, and the state of Amapá.

Cacao de Mono displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Cacao de Mono produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cacao de Mono every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cacao de Mono thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cacao de Mono in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Coussapoa arachnoidea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Cacao de Mono prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Cacao de Mono to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cacao de Mono every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cacao de Mono is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cacao de Mono can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cacao de Mono while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Cacao de Mono is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cacao de Mono can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cacao de Mono is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cacao de Mono grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cacao de Mono is native to Brazil's largest region, the North Region, and the state of Amapá. In cooler regions, grow Cacao de Mono as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.