Let’s be real: growing a cacao plant (the source of our beloved chocolate!) isn’t exactly a walk in the park if you live in a temperate climate. These little trees aren’t the toughest kids on the block, and they definitely aren’t fans of chilly winters. They have some pretty high standards when it comes to their living situation and the air quality around them. To be honest, they rarely bloom or produce fruit outside of their tropical homes, so growing one is definitely a “challenge accepted” moment for any plant parent.
Cacao plants aren’t exactly fans of the local weather
Whether it’s winter or summer, a cacao plant just won’t survive outdoors in our neck of the woods. Remember, these beauties are native to the tropical rainforests of Latin America. Because of those roots, they need temperatures that never dip below 68°F (20°C) and humidity levels that stay at a steady 70% or higher.
How to grow your own cacao plant
Even though they’re high-maintenance, a cacao plant is a total showstopper, which makes all that extra effort worth it. Since this tree isn’t exactly “beginner-friendly,” you’ll want to get familiar with its specific needs and some pro care tips to keep it happy.
First off, cacao trees grow a long taproot, so you’ll need a deep pot to give it room to stretch. For soil, a standard high-quality potting mix blended with a bit of sand works just fine.
Your average living room might not be the best spot, though, because these trees crave a tropical vibe with lots of moisture in the air. A heated sunroom or conservatory is usually your best bet for creating that warm, humid “jungle” atmosphere.
Here’s a quick checklist of the ideal conditions:
- Your cacao plant needs a bright spot that’s warm and humid, but keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid scorched leaves.
- Aim for a sweet spot of 75°F (24°C). It should never drop below 68°F (20°C) and shouldn’t frequently climb above 86°F (30°C).
- The soil should be loose, well-draining, and consistently moist.
- Humidity is key! You’re looking for a range between 70% and 90%.
More tips for a happy tree
To keep your cacao tree growing strong, keep these care steps in mind:
- Water regularly. The soil should always feel slightly damp to the touch. Just remember to scale back the watering a bit during the winter months.
- Give it a little boost with fertilizer every now and then.
- If your indoor air is too dry, definitely invest in a humidifier. One big “don’t”: avoid misting the plant directly with a spray bottle. Water sitting on the leaves can actually cause these sensitive plants to develop mold.
Always keep an eye on that humidity. If it stays below 70% for too long, your cacao plant will likely call it quits.
