Family: Rubiaceae
Common Name: Coffee Plant
Botanical Name: Coffee arabica
For all coffee connoisseurs out there… this is the ultimate houseplant for you! The Coffee arabica, otherwise known as the “Coffee Plant” is the perfect source to your morning routine. Coffee plants are generally easy to take care of! It just needs bright indirect light (over 6 hours daily) and be sure to water the soil when dry. Additionally, you should prune back the foliage to keep the plant full and lush!
And, okay… so maybe you aren’t a coffee lover, but you know someone who is. This plant also makes the most fabulous gift!
So, what are you waiting for? Wake up and smell the coffee (plant) and get one today!
Light
Coffee plants do best in bright, indirect sunlight. Don’t expose this plant to any direct, and intense light because this can cause the leaves on your plant to burn. We suggest you keep your plant by a window that receives sun.
Water
Be sure to water your Coffee Plant frequently, as this plant wants (and needs) water to thrive! This plant is known to start drooping if they aren’t being watered enough. However, don’t overwater your plant as well. This can lead to root rot and other fungal concerns.
Soil
Your Coffee Plant enjoys a soil mixture that is well-draining, rich and peat-based. Strive for a soil pH level range of anything between 6 to 6.5. If you need to lower the soil pH, you can add organic matter like sphagnum peat moss. It is recommended to repot your Coffee Plant every two to three years. Repotting your plant is best done in the spring season.
Temperature
In the daytime, your Coffee Plant prefers a temperature ranging from 70 to 80 degrees and at night, 65 to 70 degrees.
Humidity
A humidity level of 50% or higher should do the job for your Coffee Plant. The edges of the leaf may start to turn brown is the air is too dry so definitely avoid that.
Fertilizer
While using a liquid fertilizer, feed your Coffee Plant every few weeks when the season is warmer and don’t fertilize your plant as often during the colder season. We suggest that you feed your plant once a month or even less in the winter.
Growth Rate
When planted in the ground, Coffee plants can grow up to a mature height of 15 feet tall!
Pet Friend or Foe
Coffee plants are toxic to pets! Foe!
Pro Tips
- Although Coffee plants in general don’t require a lot of pruning, you still should trim it during the spring season. This will help it grow thick for the next year.
- Be sure to not allow your plant to sit in water because the roots will rot, or worse, it could kill the plant.
- This plant with the proper care can live over 50 years!