Good evening everyone, I have a question concerning some cocoa trees. I bought seeds back in May of this year and started planting them. I was able to germinate them and I have about 5 trees right now. Although, I have 2 that is dead or are dying. If you could, can you take a look at the trees and tell me what is going on? I did some research and the cause could be that I am over-watering them or the pH level is too high. I performed a pH level test on one of the pots and I got a reading of 7.5 pH - 8.0 pH. I believe that it may be due to the pH level. And for those who are wondering, they are in a potting mix of bone meal, soil, and worm castings. Images are attached below. Thank you for your help and I will be more then happy to provide more information if you desire. Also, I am growing these in Toledo Oh, area 6b
I have never tried to grow cacao, but I would love to taste the fresh natural product and can see why you would want to try to grow it. Sounds a bit challenging though. Purdue University has a nice article: Theobroma cacao Sounds like they want to have well draining, light, airy soil, but be kept moist all the time and be in a very humid environment. You might need to add some gravel or something coarse to your soil mix. pH might be a little high. Sounds like young plants will need shade. Room temperature seems to be about the minimum temperature they tolerate. Are they being kept fairly warm?
The moisture that these plants like is based on it receiving enough light and being in a healthy growing condition with lots of leaves to support. There is almost no way to avoid overwatering limp seedlings in low light with a mushy mix like that. Yes ph is way too high, but not nearly the trouble that low indoor light and indoor humidity can be. Next time try a good quality peat-based mix that can get you down to 6.5 or so. Also consider adding 50% perlite or pumice for extra drainage to the average potting soil used for tropicals, just while the plants are very young. Never let the pots sit in a saucer of water for more than an hour or two at the most. To possibly save these, get fluorescent lights within just a few inches above them to go with the natural light they already receive; increase the humidity; increase the night warmth (only if you've already raised the humidity); and wait for some very nice new growth to repot them. Best wishes!
