Theobroma cacao
Sunlight
Partial shade — young trees require 50-70% shade, mature trees tolerate 40-50% shade
Water
1,500-2,500 mm annually, evenly distributed. Cannot tolerate prolonged drought (>3 months without rain).
Soil
Deep, well-drained, fertile forest soil. pH 5.0-7.5. High organic matter essential. Clay loam to loam.
Temperature
Optimal 21-32°C. Does not tolerate temperatures below 15°C. No frost tolerance.
Humidity
High humidity (70-100%) required — cocoa evolved as an understory rainforest tree.
Season
Perennial — first harvest 3-5 years after planting. Two harvest seasons per year in most regions.
Updated February 2026
Isso é Cocoa (Cacao)?
Envie uma foto e nossa IA identifica a espécie com guia de cuidados e dicas de cultivo.
Overview
Cocoa is the source of chocolate and supports the livelihoods of 5-6 million smallholder farming families worldwide. West Africa (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon) produces 70% of the world's cocoa. The crop requires specific tropical conditions — warm, humid, and shaded — and is exclusively grown within 20° of the equator. Most cocoa is grown by smallholders on farms of 2-5 hectares under shade trees. The global cocoa market is worth over $13 billion annually. Major threats include black pod disease, swollen shoot virus, and deforestation-linked expansion. Sustainable cocoa production is a major focus of international development and certification programs.
Plant Health
Cocoa (Cacao) is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.
Doença do Ramo Inchado do Cacaueiro
A doença do ramo inchado do cacaueiro é causada pelo CSSV transmitido por cochonilhas. Causa inchaço dos ramos, mosaico foliar vermelho-esverdeado, frutos pequenos e deformados e declínio progressivo. Não há cura — controle com erradicação de árvores infectadas e vizinhas, replantio com material tolerante e controle de cochonilhas.
Podridão Parda do Cacau
A podridão parda é a principal doença do cacau. Conheça os métodos de controle para proteger sua produção e reduzir perdas significativas.
Cultivation Guide
Establish shade (plantain/banana initially, then permanent shade trees like Gliricidia)
Space cocoa trees at 3 × 3 m under shade
Prune trees to maintain a canopy height of 3-4 m for easier harvesting
Harvest ripe pods every 2-3 weeks — regular harvesting reduces black pod
Ferment beans for 5-7 days in wooden boxes with banana leaf cover
Dry beans to 7% moisture on raised platforms or drying mats
Companion Planting
Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.
Climate & Regions
Active climate zones for Cocoa (Cacao) are highlighted below.
Tropical
Suitable
Subtropical
Not typical
Temperate
Not typical
Mediterranean
Not typical
Highland
Not typical
Arid / Semi-arid
Not typical
Specific Zones & Regions
Common Questions
Cocoa (Cacao) grows best during the perennial — first harvest 3-5 years after planting. two harvest seasons per year in most regions.. It requires optimal 21-32°c. does not tolerate temperatures below 15°c. no frost tolerance. and partial shade — young trees require 50-70% shade, mature trees tolerate 40-50% shade. In tropical regions with consistent warmth, it can often be grown year-round with proper irrigation.
Cocoa (Cacao) is commonly affected by Cocoa Swollen Shoot, Cocoa Black Pod. Regular crop monitoring, good air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using disease-resistant varieties are the most effective prevention strategies.
Cocoa (Cacao) grows best in deep, well-drained, fertile forest soil. ph 5.0-7.5. high organic matter essential. clay loam to loam.. For irrigation: 1,500-2,500 mm annually, evenly distributed. cannot tolerate prolonged drought (>3 months without rain).. Maintaining proper soil moisture without waterlogging is critical — Cocoa (Cacao) is sensitive to both drought stress and root rot from excess water.
Cocoa (Cacao) grows well alongside banana, coconut, oil-palm. These companions help repel pests, improve pollination, or provide ground cover.
CuraPlant
Scan any leaf with your phone and get an instant AI diagnosis, treatment guide, and prevention plan — even offline.
