Cacao (Chocolate Tree)

What kind of soil am I supossed to use? I've been told peat and perlite but these are found in the rainforest so wouldn't the peat starve it, even with feedings? I've found little on growing cacao and nothing about potting it, any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Tam'sTrees sells them here in her FL tree nursery https://secureent01.websitecomplete.com/tamstrees/shop/prodCat.asp
She is also a DG member username tamstrees.
She is very helpful I "m sure she'll have your answers.

I would think that any FAST draining soil would work. We plant ours in black cinder with about 1/4 organic matter...and lots of water.

Thanks guys. I hope I can keep myself from ordering from Tam's store... I LOVE tropicals but don't have much room to grow inside.

I know I must sound real dumb but what's black cinder? Do you think Home Depot would carry it (I rely on HD!). Is organic matter manure?

Don’t hold back from growing tropicals!

We’ve seen a lot of success growing cacao and many other tropical trees in self watering containers. We have inserts called Jardinaire self watering systems or you can pretty much use any. I have allspice growing in my bathroom in one bought from wal_mart and a guava tree in my office.

Cacao is an under story tree which means that it grows under a canopy of trees. It likes moisture, the soil (but drains) and filtered light. If you’re growing it indoors you should make sure you have enough humidity and a well lit room with constant temps- the best above 75-85. The self watering containers work great but ever so often water from the top. If the reservoir is full but the plant is bone dry then the roots are too short and it’s not getting down far enough. Just plant a little deeper.

Good luck with your tree!

Tamara

Thanks Tamara!

Black cinder in LARGE form is the stuff they put in BBQs to carry heat...they use Red Cinder for landscaping in the SW (contains large amts. of iron and is great to keep weeds down....but not for growing)...It isn't charcoal, but loose lava rock. Basically, that's what we have to grow in here....with whatever compost we have ... Tropicals love it.

I think I've seen volcanic rock in the selection for orchids. I'll have to check it out, TY.