Coffee Plant

Coffee plants are tropical plants and require frequent watering during the summer months, about two to three times a week. When the soil starts to feel dry to the touch just water the plant and let the excess drain out. During the winter months, reduce the amount of watering you give your coffee plant to only once every two weeks and be sure to not over water the plant. Keeping the soil slightly moist is optimal.

Coffee plants can tolerate direct light for short periods of time, however, they prefer indirect or filtered light. Some direct sunlight is recommended during the summer months, but only for an hour or two in the morning. If your coffee plant gets too much direct sunlight, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and will ultimately become scorched if the plant does not receive adequate water. Areas with inadequate light can be supplemented with the use of grow lights.

Coffee plants prefer temperatures between 65°F - 70°F (18°C - 21°C). Anything outside this range may cause damage to the plant or cause it to become sick. It is best to keep the plant away from drafts and vents as well. Higher temperatures may requiire additional air circulation and lower temperatures require relocation of the plant to a warmer climate.

Humidity is extremely important for coffee plants. Keeping the surrounding humidity levels between 50-70% is ideal. If your home is particularly dry, use a humidifier or place the pot in a larger container filled with a layer of gravel and water. Make sure the pot is not sitting directly in the water, otherwise it will cause the root system to rot.

Coffee plants require well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal, although many coffee plants will tolerate a much wider range. A simple potting mix consisting of equal parts perlite, peat and loam will work well. Be sure to add a few handfuls of sand or gravel to ensure proper drainage.

Fertilize coffee plants during the active growing season, from spring to early fall. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months to prevent over-fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer can be used every two to four weeks. It is important to use an organic fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content to prevent any burning or wilting of the plant leaves. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium is also a great choice.

Although the coffee plant is not prone to many diseases or pests, they can sometimes be bothered by spider mites, scale, whiteflies or aphids. For spider mites, treat the plant with horticultural oil or soap. For scale, you can scrape the insects off with a spoon or apply a horticultural oil. For whiteflies or aphids, use a horticultural oil or rinse them off with a spray of water and rub alcohol. If your coffee plant is severely infested, you may need to discard it and try growing a new one.

Repot the coffee plant when it outgrows its current pot and became root-bound. This usually happens every 2-3 years. When the plant becomes root-bound, the roots will become constricted and you will need to repot with a larger container and fresh soil. This can be done in the spring when the active growing season begins, or anytime during the summer months.

Coffee plants do not require much pruning. Simply pinch off any dead or dying leaves as you spot them. Pruning can also be done to shape the coffee plant as you see fit. It's best to prune the plant during its active growing season, in the spring and summer months.

Mulching the soil of a coffee plant is not necessary, however it can help to retain moisture and keep the growth of weeds down. A layer of bark, dry leaves or pine needles can be used to mulch the soil around the coffee plant.

The coffee plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings or air-layering. To propagate from seed, simply purchase coffee beans and spread them on top of the soil. You can also take cuttings from existing coffee plants and place them in soil for them to root. Air-layering is a slower process and involves wrapping a section of the stem of the coffee plant with moist soil and moss and you will need to wait for the roots to form before you can remove it from the parent plant.

Coffee plants do not need any special support, however they may benefit from a lightweight trellis or stake to help them keep their shape and stay upright. This will also help the plant's flowers and fruits to stay off of the ground where they may be damaged or eaten.

Coffee plants do not require a rest period, however it is beneficial for them to be subjected to cooler temperatures and less water during the winter months. This will help them to prepare for the active growing season come springtime.

The coffee plant is not toxic to pets, however they may become sick if they were to ingest it.