Coffee plant care guide
Coffea arabica
Also known as: Arabian coffee, Arabica coffee
Pets and children
Caution advised
The fruit, seeds and leaves contain caffeine: dogs and cats that eat them can vomit, become restless or develop a racing heart, so keep it out of reach and contact a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Coffee plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 4 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; if it dries out the leaves wilt, and repeated drying makes them fall.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Once it cools, water about a day or two after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries, and mist to offset dry heated air.
Light and placement for Coffee plant
A bright window out of direct sun is generally best; young plants scorch easily and strong midsummer sun browns the leaves, while too little light makes it drop leaves and grow leggy.
Overwintering Coffee plant
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Move it to a bright spot indoors when nights fall below about 10°C; it tolerates roughly 5°C, but a cold windowpane or draft blackens and drops the leaves, so keep it toward the middle of the room.
Fertilizing and repotting Coffee plant
Fertilizer
From May to September, slow-release fertilizer about every two months or diluted liquid feed about every two weeks, none in winter; a plant meant to fruit gets a little more in spring.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Coffee plant
- Winter drafts or a cold window blacken the leaves and they drop all at once.
- Direct sun leaves brown scorch marks on the leaves.
- Dry heated air browns the leaf edges and invites spider mites.
Tips for growing Coffee plant
- Frequent misting keeps the leaves glossy and discourages spider mites.
- After three to four years in good light it may produce white flowers and red berries.
- Trimming overlong shoots in spring keeps the plant compact and bushy.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
