Theobroma cacao , known as the cocoa tree, is a tropical plant that bears one of the world's most beloved treasures – cocoa.

Cocoa trees begin to bear fruit when they have reached a height of 150-180 cm. The pink and white flowers grow straight from the tree trunk and branches, followed by the cocoa beans. The cylindrical cocoa beans change color from green to red when fully ripe. Each pod contains 20-40 seeds. The cocoa beans must ferment for about a week, dry then roast to create the unique chocolate flavor.

Care.

Theobroma cacao requires a humid and warm environment to thrive. Despite its tropical origin, the tree can be grown indoors at normal room temperature. Plant the tree in a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. We use our peat-free soil. The cocoa tree should be placed so that it gets at least a couple of hours of direct sun daily. Stick your finger into the soil and when the top 1-2 cm feels dry, it is time to water. Fertilize with, for example, worm castings 1-2 times per year.

A common problem is brown leaf edges on the cocoa plant. This is often a sign of low humidity, which is best addressed with a humidifier.

Botanical description

Theobroma cacao, literally means "Food of the Gods". The plant originates from Central and South America, where it grows naturally in the tropical rainforests. The species is not endangered but very difficult to find in Europe. Theobroma cacao is a smaller tree that can reach a height of about 4-8 meters in its natural habitat, but it can be kept smaller when grown in a pot.

Leaves and fruit.

The leaves are large, oval and shiny, while the fruits are large, egg-shaped and can be in shades of yellow, orange or red. The fruits contain the valuable cocoa beans.

Whether you are a chocolate lover or just want an exotic and useful plant in your collection, Theobroma cacao is a great choice. Buy your own cacao tree online and start your journey towards growing your own chocolate!