Cacao Plant Care

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Theobroma genus. Cacao is native to the tropics of the Americas, the largest producer of cocoa beans in 2022 was Côte d'Ivoire. Cacao is also known as Cocoa, Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree.

Cacao displays a small tree, compact shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cacao produces small, colorful flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cacao every 7–10 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 thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Cacao in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cacao to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cacao 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 to partial shade and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cacao 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 can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 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 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 can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mocambo plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cacao is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cacao is native to the tropics of the Americas, the largest producer of cocoa beans in 2022 was Côte d'Ivoire. In cooler regions, grow Cacao as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.