How to Grow and Care for Coffee Plant

Coffee plants are tropical evergreen shrubs that produce coffee beans. They need a warm climate [1], lots of moisture, and rich, well-drained soil to thrive. The two most commonly grown coffee species are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora or robusta. Arabica coffee produces better tasting beans but robusta is more disease resistant [2].

Common Name	Coffee plant, coffee tree
Botanical Name	Coffea (genus), Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (species)
Plant Type	Evergreen shrub or small tree
Sun Exposure	Partial shade to full sun
Mature Size	3-12 meters (10-40 feet) in height, depending on the species and pruning
Soil pH	Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
Soil Type	Rich, well-drained, moist
Flower Color	White or pink, fragrant
Toxicity	The seeds (coffee beans) contain caffeine, which can be toxic to humans and animals in large doses

There are many types of coffee plants, but the most common ones are:

• Coffea arabica: This is the most widely cultivated and consumed type of coffee plant. It originated in Ethiopia and Sudan and produces a mild, aromatic and flavorful coffee. It grows best at high altitudes and requires a cool and moist climate. It has glossy leaves and flat and elongated beans. Some of the popular varieties of arabica are Bourbon, Typica, Geisha and Mocha.

• Coffea canephora: This is also known as robusta coffee. It is native to Africa and can grow in lower altitudes and warmer temperatures. It is more resistant to pests and diseases than arabica, but it has a stronger, bitter and less refined taste. It has quilted leaves and round and convex beans. It is often used for instant coffee or blended with arabica to increase the caffeine content and reduce the cost. Some of the common varieties of robusta are S795, Catimor and Conilon.

• Coffea liberica: This is a rare type of coffee plant that originated in Liberia and West Africa. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and has large leaves and fruits. It produces a coffee with a distinctive woody and smoky flavor. It is mainly grown in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

• Coffea charrieriana: This is a unique type of coffee plant that was discovered in Cameroon in 2008. It is the only known caffeine-free coffee plant in the world. It has small leaves and fruits and produces a coffee with a mild flavor and aroma. It is not commercially available yet, but it could be a potential alternative for people who want to enjoy coffee without caffeine.

To grow coffee plants, you should start with fresh coffee beans and plant them in starter pots indoors. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, transplant them outside.

Coffee plants need full sun and lots of space. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil damp [3]. Fertilize the plants every few weeks. Once the plants produce flowers, the flowers will develop into coffee cherries which contain the coffee beans. Pick the cherries once ripe and process the beans. Roast the beans to bring out their flavor before grinding and brewing.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature range for coffee plants is between 65 and 70 degrees at night and between 70 and 80 degrees during the day. Although greater (hotter) temperatures can speed up growth, they are not the best conditions for growing plants for their beans. The fruits must ripen gradually and steadily.

In addition, these plants survive in extremely humid environments with regular heavy dew and fog because they naturally grow on the sides of tropical mountains. 50 percent humidity or more should be sufficient. The edges of the leaves may begin to brown if the air is too dry. Coffee plants can be misted daily to increase humidity, or a humidifier can be placed close to the plant to maintain constant high humidity.

Soil

Coffee plants should be grown in rich, peat-based potting soil with good drainage. If your plant is not flourishing, add organic matter, such as sphagnum peat moss, to reduce the pH of the soil because coffee plants love acidic soil. The pH range should be closer to 6 to 6.5.

Water

The recommended watering practices for coffee plants are to water once every one to two weeks when the soil dries down halfway and again when it does so. The soil should be consistently moist but not soggy. Never let the soil get entirely dry.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, fertilize every two weeks with a mild liquid fertilizer. In the winter, reduce fertilizer application to once or twice per month.

Light

In weaker latitudes, coffee plants like full sunlight or indirect light. They don't perform well in direct, harsh sunlight because they are understory plants that grow beneath the forest canopy. Overexposure to direct sunshine will cause leaf browning in coffee plants.

If you love coffee, you might want to try growing your own coffee plant at home. Coffee plants (Coffea arabica) are attractive shrubs with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers. They can produce coffee beans after about four years, but you will need to roast them before grinding and brewing.

Here are some detailed steps on how to grow a coffee plant:

• Get some fresh coffee beans. The easiest way to start a coffee plant is from green coffee beans, which are the seeds of the coffee fruit. You can buy them online or from a local roaster. Avoid roasted or processed beans, as they will not germinate.

• Soak the beans for 24 hours. This will help soften the seed coat and speed up germination. Use clean water and change it every few hours.

• Plant the beans in moist soil. Use a rich, peat-based potting mix with good drainage. You can also add some sand or perlite to improve aeration. Plant the beans about an inch deep, with the flat side facing down. Cover lightly with soil and water well.

• Place the pot in a warm and bright spot. Coffee plants prefer indirect sunlight and temperatures between 16-24°C (60-75°F). Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the leaves. You can also use a grow light or a fluorescent lamp to provide artificial light.

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water your coffee plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should feel damp but not wet. You can use a finger or a moisture meter to check the soil moisture level. If the soil feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot.

• Fertilize your coffee plant every two weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost, worm castings, or fish emulsion. Feed your coffee plant during the growing season, from spring to fall.

• Increase the humidity around your coffee plant. Coffee plants are native to tropical regions, so they like high humidity levels. You can mist your plant daily with water, or place it on a tray of pebbles filled with water. You can also use a humidifier or group your plant with other plants to create a humid microclimate.

• Prune your coffee plant to maintain its shape and size. Coffee plants can grow up to 8 feet tall in their natural habitat, but you can keep them smaller by pruning them regularly. Use sharp and clean scissors or pruners to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also trim back any long or leggy stems to encourage bushy growth.

• Repot your coffee plant every two to three years. As your coffee plant grows, it will need more space for its roots. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage holes and fresh potting mix. Gently remove your plant from its old pot and shake off any excess soil. Place it in the new pot and fill in the gaps with soil. Water well and place it back in its spot.

Every spring, give your coffee plant a new pot, gradually increasing the size. A number of drainage holes must be present in the container. To control the plant's growth, you can root prune, slightly reduce the size of the pot, and trim the plant to the desired size.

Can I grow a coffee plant indoors?

Yes, coffee plants can be grown indoors, provided they receive adequate indirect light, proper temperature [4], and humidity levels.

How long does it take for a coffee plant to produce beans?

Coffee plants generally start producing cherries containing beans after 3-5 years of growth.

Can I grow coffee plants in a colder climate?

Because coffee plants are delicate to cold and frost, it might be difficult to grow them outdoors in cold locations. They can be grown inside or in a greenhouse, where the temperature and humidity can be regulated.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Climate & Coffee - Science & information for a climate-smart nation.

2. Cup quality profiles of Robusta coffee wilt disease resistant varieties grown in three agro-ecologies in Uganda - National Institutes of Health

3. Effect of soil moisture, organic matter and fertilizer application on brown eye spot disease in coffee plantations - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

4. Light, Temperature and Humidity - Aggie Horticulture