Coffee tree, plant care and growing guide

Coffea is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. They originate from the tropical areas of Africa and Asia and grow as shrubs or small trees. The coffee tree is often used as an indoor plant, in pots, and can reach a height of over 1 m. It is an opposite-leaved plant, the leaves being simple, glossy, and wavy, with an ovate shape and dark green color.

Species and varieties

Of all the species of coffee trees, Coffea arabica is the most common, followed by Coffea canephora (Robusta), and Coffea benghalensis.

Varieties of Coffea arabica:

“Variegated” – with leaves in the form of clusters;

“Dwarf” – is a dwarf plant that blooms early.

Environmental conditions

Light. The coffee tree prefers rooms with strong, indirect light. It can be placed near a window if protected by a thin curtain. Direct sunlight can cause browning and drying of the leaves.

Temperature. The optimum temperature range at which the coffee tree grows is between 18-22° C. In winter it is recommended to maintain a lower temperature, but not lower than 12° C. Sudden drops in temperature can affect the plant.

Humidity. Being native to tropical areas, where it grows in conditions of high humidity, the coffee tree needs an atmospheric humidity of over 50%. It is recommended to spray the leaves with non-calcareous water every day, and during the cold season, place the pot on a bed of moist gravel.

Substrate. It grows in a light, fresh, nutrient-rich substrate, which allows easy drainage of water. It can be made of peat, sand, and compost. This plant prefers a slightly acidic substrate, with a pH between 6-6.5.

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Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Watering

The coffee tree has medium water requirements, so the substrate must be kept moist, but not excessively wet. On average, it can be watered twice a week, and during the cold season, less often, namely once a week.

Fertilization

During the growing season (April-August) it is advisable to administer a liquid fertilizer for green plants, during the winter, however, no more fertilizer should be administered in order to keep the plant in dormancy.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Repotting

It should be repotted annually or once every two years, as needed, in spring, in a slightly larger pot.

Propagation

The coffee tree can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. The propagation by cuttings is a difficult procedure to perform on this plant and it is recommended only for professionals. In pots, this plant blooms and produces seeds very rarely, so you should use seeds purchased commercially. They must be sown in spring, but the plant will grow slowly.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Diseases and pests

Because it is a plant commonly found in tropical areas, in a temperate continental transitioning into an oceanic climate it is very rarely affected by diseases. The pests that can infest it are mites and mealybugs.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • the coffee tree cannot withstand cold air currents.
  • an air that is too dry can cause the tips of the leaves to become brown.
  • after 3-5 years of being in pots, the leaves at the base fall.
  • it blooms very rarely, usually after 3-4 years.
  • a high percentage of salts in the soil can affect its leaves, so it is advisable to use softened water and to not fertilize excessively.
  • caution! all parts of the plant, with the exception of ripe fruits, are toxic to humans and animals.
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