Coffee Plant

Plant Overview

• Botanical Name: Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee, most common) and Coffea canephora (Robusta coffee).

• Common Names: Coffee Plant, Coffee Tree

• Type: Evergreen perennial shrub/tree

• Appearance: Glossy, dark green, oval leaves with wavy edges; small fragrant white flowers followed by red berries (“coffee cherries”).

 Care Guide

1.Sun Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light.

• Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh midday sunlight indoors.

• Outdoors (tropical climate): grows best in partial shade.

2. Watering

• Likes consistently moist soil but not soggy.

• Water when top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.

• Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity.

3. Soil

• Best in rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6–6.5).

• Potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and compost works well.

4. Fertilizer

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks in growing season (spring–summer).

• Reduce feeding in fall/winter.

5. Pruning & Repotting

• Prune to maintain shape and encourage branching.

• Repot every 2–3 years when roots outgrow pot.

 Flowers & Fruits

• Flowers: Small, star-shaped, white, fragrant blooms (similar to jasmine).

• Fruits: Red “coffee cherries” that turn dark when ripe; seeds inside are roasted to make coffee beans.

• Plants typically start producing cherries after 3–4 years.

 Uses & Benefits

1. Coffee Production – Source of the world’s favorite beverage

2. Ornamental Plant – Glossy foliage and red fruits make it attractive indoors.

3. Air Purification – Helps filter indoor air.

4. Cultural/Economic Importance – Coffee is one of the most valuable trade crops globally.

Note:

• Coffee plant leaves and beans are toxic to pets