Wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) has interesting leaves that are about 6 inches long. The leaf veins are distinctly impressed on the upper leaf surface and you can find fine hairs on the underside of the leaves along the main mid-rib. The leaves and fruits are somewhat similar to the invasive coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), but wild coffee grows larger and is less cold tolerant. Additionally, the leaves are opposite with entire margins, as opposed to coral ardisia's leaves which are alternate with scalloped margins.
Water on a regular basis but don't keep the plant overly wet. Shadier locations tend to stay moist longer so check to make sure water is adequate but not overdone.
These plants do well when grown in partial to full shade; leaves become yellowed and the plant will stay small if grown in an area with full sun.
Trim lightly anytime to shape, and do a hard pruning if necessary for size in spring - late March or early April.
