November 2017

Your plant requires temperatures between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest temperature your tree can handle is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. no wild temperature fluctuations. High humidity is very important as well as good air circulation, but never expose plant to dry wind/air. Dry air will kill this plant, so maintaining a humid environment is vital. Lots of water but not standing water, you can water every day if drainage is good. never let it dry (it will kill a plant in a day and cacao plant will not recover) Full shade for the first 3 months, then full shade to partial shade. Will tolerate some sun when 4-5 foot tall. Sun will kill this plant. Cacao plant does not need direct sun, filtered sunlight is optimal. Very fertile soil. If planted in pots, I would recommend mixing Pro-Mix BX potting soil (for keeping moisture) mixed with Pro mix HP CC (for good drainage) and with good organic potting soil or very well rotted compost (for fertilizing) 1:1:1. You can also add 1/10 part of sand. Optional- polystyrene beads (not biodegradable) on the bottom of the pot (1-2 inch) Plant it in 5-7 gallon pot when received or a week later and increase the pot size to 10-20 gallon pot in 6-12 months. Many hydroponic fertilizers (organic or not) will work just fine (6:2:8 or similar) Water, rain water or rain water with reduced PH to 6-6-4. Non organic fertilizer (cheap)- miracle grow for acid loving plants – 1/2 tsp in 5 gallon bucket.  you can also add Epsom salt 1/4-1/2 tsp in 5 gallons bucket. many growers prefer the organic fertilizer. Lower leaves turn yellow and fall off. It is normal for this plant when nicely growing at the top.

Sow your cacao seeds as soon as possible, 2 inches deep, in regular potting mix soil. Keep moist with sufficient lighting. Room temperature should not drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit/ 20 degrees Celsius. You can cover the pot with plastic wrap to increase humidity (make sure to remove it when the sprout appears.) Repot in a bigger container when your cacao has true leaves. An ideal mix would be potting soil, garden soil (or sand) and compost. In summer, take the plant out but avoid harsh sun rays on the delicate leaves. In winter, sprinkle the leaves with water  (without chlorine) to increase humidity if the air is too dry. In their natural environment, there are always leaves on the ground, so consider mulching your tree. If the temperature where you live never drops below 68 decrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius, you can plant the tree outside, otherwise, it will need to remain in a large container in a greenhouse or inside your home.