How to Care for Arabica (Coffee) Plants
We’re excited to share care tips for an exotic and beloved houseplant: the Arabica Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica). With its rich green leaves and beautiful form, the Coffee Plant brings a tropical touch to any space, and in the right conditions, it may even reward you with small, fragrant flowers and red coffee cherries. Although it won’t produce enough beans for your daily brew, the Coffee Plant is an appealing and relatively easy plant to grow indoors. Here’s what you need to know!
1. Lighting Needs
Coffee Plants prefer bright, indirect light, as they grow under the shade of taller trees in their native environment. Place your plant near a window with filtered light, like an east or west-facing window. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, while too little light may slow growth.
Tip: If you see the leaves curling or browning on the edges, it may be a sign of too much sun exposure, so try moving it to a spot with gentler light.
2. Watering Routine
Coffee Plants enjoy a consistently moist environment but don’t like to sit in soggy soil. Water your Coffee Plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which might mean watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity and temperature. Water more often in warmer months and less frequently in cooler months, always ensuring water drains well.
Tip: Coffee Plants are sensitive to water quality, so if possible, use filtered or distilled water. Tap water with high mineral content can lead to brown leaf tips.
3. Humidity and Temperature Requirements
Coffee Plants thrive in a warm, humid environment that mimics their tropical origins. Aim for humidity levels between 60-80%. You can increase humidity by misting the plant, placing it on a tray of water and pebbles, or keeping it near a humidifier. Coffee Plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F and should be protected from temperatures below 55°F.
Tip: Dry indoor air, especially in winter, can lead to browning leaf edges, so increase humidity when you notice this.
4. Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining, rich potting soil is best for Coffee Plants. A peat-based soil mix with added perlite or orchid bark is ideal, as it will provide the drainage and slight acidity Coffee Plants love. This will keep the roots healthy and reduce the risk of waterlogging.
Tip: Coffee Plants prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6-6.5). If you notice slow growth or yellowing leaves, it might be a sign that the soil’s pH is off.
5. Fertilizing Tips
Coffee Plants benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Alternatively, you can choose a fertilizer for acid-loving plants, which can help keep the soil slightly acidic and promote lush growth.
Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leaf burn. Reduce or skip fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
6. Pruning and Shaping
Pruning helps keep your Coffee Plant compact and encourages fuller growth. Trim back leggy branches to maintain a bushy shape, and remove any dead or damaged leaves. You can prune as needed, but it’s best to do so in the spring, right before the growing season begins.
7. Encouraging Blooms and Fruits
In the right conditions, Coffee Plants can produce small white flowers with a sweet fragrance, which may eventually develop into red berries. However, flowering is more likely in mature plants grown in humid, stable environments. While it may take a few years to see blooms indoors, providing consistent care will increase the chances of flowering.
Tip: If your Coffee Plant blooms, try to keep it in a stable location, as moving or repotting it can disrupt flowering and fruit production.
Growing a Coffee Plant is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of the tropics indoors, along with a unique beauty all its own. With the right light, humidity, and care, your Coffee Plant will thrive and make a wonderful addition to your green collection. For more plant care tips or to explore our range of tropical plants, visit us at Artistic Foliage – happy growing!