In the filtered light of a heated greenhouse, the cacao tree showcases its unique foliage: Between elongated, dark green leaves, fresh shoots can appear pink to reddish. As they mature, the young leaves turn green, changing the color display with each new shoot. The glossy leaves with their elongated tips make Theobroma cacao an attractive plant for a tropical plant collection even without flowers.
Under suitable warm and humid conditions, the tree remains evergreen and can be kept as a potted plant for years; space for further growth should be planned. Its cultivation is demanding: A heated greenhouse offers better conditions than a regular living room, and a cool room that is only frost-free is not sufficient. The frost-sensitive tree is unsuitable for Central European garden beds.
With increasing maturity, under suitable cultivation conditions, small, yellowish-white to pale pink flowers can develop directly on the trunk and older wood. This unusual trunk flowering provides another perspective on the tropical tree; there is no fixed flowering calendar for indoor cultivation. Fruit formation requires successful pollination, with incompatible plants needing a compatible pollen donor.
Name: Cacao tree
Botanical name: Theobroma cacao
Pot size: 14cm
Total height: 40cm
Family: Malvaceae
Growth: Perennial tree
Origin: Costa Rica to tropical South America
Location: Bright, slightly shaded, high humidity; warm year-round, about 18-32 °C for growth.
Watering: Keep evenly moist, do not let completely dry out; avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing: Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during active growth; dosage according to preparation.
