How do you imagine a coffee plant? Is it a tremendous shrub somewhere in Ethiopia or maybe in Brazilia? In fact, a coffee plant can be one of the best plants to grow at home because it is not just easy to care for, but it is also very exotic and beautiful.
Coffea includes about 120 individual species and varieties of coffee plants, but only three of them can become your favorite houseplants: Coffea arabica, Coffea liberica, and Coffea robusta. Their maximum height can reach up to 6.5 feet (2 meters). When the plant is at least three-years-old and treated carefully, you can expect the delicate bloom of white flowers to brighten up your room.
The coffee plant loves water, especially in spring and summer; that’s why the soil should be constantly moist. In winter, watering should be reduced to once every 5-7 days, but never let the soil dry out completely.
The coffee plant needs light but does not like direct sunlight. Ideally, it should be placed on the southern side of the apartment, but far from the heating, because it might lead to leaf desiccation. It also likes fresh air, so if it is warm - you can put it outside, for example, on the balcony.
It must be rich with nutrients, peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage, and the PH close to 6.
There are two major ways to propagate your coffee plant: via stem cuttings or by seeds. Whatever method you choose, make sure that the soil stays wet with the temperature consistent enough for the plant to successfully take root.
The temperature is crucial for a coffee plant because the plant cannot tolerate even a slight decrease or increase of it. The best temperature is between 71-77˚F (22-25°C), but it should never be lower than 59˚F (15°C).
The main requirements are a big enough size and several drainage holes. Repot your coffee plant every spring, gradually stepping up the pot size.
