The cocoa plant is quite demanding, not only in terms of the light it needs or the prevailing temperature, but also the correct watering and fertilizing. If you dare to take on the complex care, you will have a stately houseplant.
How do you properly care for a cocoa plant?
The optimal care of a cocoa plant includes a bright, warm location with high humidity (at least 70%), regular watering, year-round fertilization and using a deep plant pot for the long taproot.
The ideal location
In its Brazilian homeland, the cocoa plant grows in partial shade, but it naturally receives much more light there than in a living room at home. The dark corner of the room is therefore not an ideal location for this exotic plant. A bright, friendly winter garden that is heated all year round is much better. The temperature there should be constantly above 20 °C. Around 24 °C is ideal, possible up to 30 °C.
In order to thrive, the cocoa plant also needs a fairly high level of humidity of around 75 to 90 percent. If the humidity is below 70 percent, it is too dry for the cocoa plant. Spraying the leaves is not a good way to keep the moisture constant, as this poses a risk of mold on the sensitive leaves of your cocoa plant.
Planting and repotting
The cocoa plant places less demands on the soil than on its location. Simply mix ordinary potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) with a little sand. However, the plant pot should be as deep as possible because the cocoa plant forms a very long taproot.
Water and fertilize the cocoa plant
Water your cocoa plant regularly, it is very thirsty. From the first growth spurt in spring, give it fertilizer regularly, about every 7 to 14 days. Only after the second boost in late summer do you reduce the fertilization a little.
The cocoa plant in winter
In its homeland, the cocoa plant knows no seasons and therefore no winter. It doesn't need proper hibernation, but it does need slightly different care. Limit watering and fertilizing a little, but do not give up on them completely. But leave the cocoa plant in its original place.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: bright to partially shaded and warm
- ideal temperature: 24 °C
- high humidity of at least 70%, better up to 90%
- DO NOT put outside in summer
- Choose a tall plant pot because the taproot is long
- water regularly
- fertilize all year round
Tip
If you cannot provide a cocoa plant with the necessary living conditions, then refrain from purchasing it.
